Introduction to Indigenous Climate Solutions
Provided by: ACE|Published on: November 17, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Economics, Civics, English Language Arts, Health
Authors: ACE
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This lesson introduces students to Indigenous climate solutions in the United States, as well as Indigenous cultures and how they are impacted by climate change.
- This lesson explains concepts such as extractive versus regenerative economies, the land back movement, rewilding, and environmental stewardship through activities, videos, and discussions.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This lesson positions students as drivers of their learning while teachers facilitate student understanding through discussion questions and discourse.
- The lesson plan includes additional teacher preparation materials, a detailed outline of each stage of the lesson, ideas for student support, and optional extension activities.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers will need to create a free account to access the lesson. Students cannot access the materials even if they have an account.
- The lesson should take 60 minutes to complete.
- This lesson requires access to the Internet.
- Before the lesson, students should have a general understanding of the impacts of climate change.
Differentiation
- This resource can also be used in health classes during lessons about the links between a person's environment and their health.
- Consider starting the lesson with a land acknowledgment.
- Use the extension activities to make the information covered in the lesson actionable.
This resource gives students an overview to how Indigenous communities interact with their land, how it is affected by climate change and society, and Indigenous climate solutions. Other topics mentioned include, the land back movement, how Indigenous women are affected, oil pipelines, and first foods. The lesson plan contains a PowerPoint, which also includes two videos that introduce students to the topics mentioned. There are brief mentions of politician’s climate solutions versus Indigenous climate solutions, and oil pipelines, which can sometimes lead to intense discussions; however, accurate information is presented. There are also resources provided to help make the lesson locally relevant and to provide further information about topics discussed. All of these resources and the lesson plan are accurate. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
