Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map
The Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools has an Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map.
This Giant Floor Map was created through collaboration with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Indigenous Educators, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Government of Canada, Metis Nation, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, as well as many others too numerous to name. The intent of the Floor Map is for it to be a starting point for educators and organizations across Canada as they reach out to the diverse indigenous communities, organizations and groups in their respective area, with the intent of learning and working towards reconciliation.
This map comes with a wealth of resources, activities and lessons on a variety of topics. It is a great tool to use in our schools!
Before booking the Floor Map
- Make your administration is aware that you are wanting to book the map
- Ensure there is a space large enough to use the map and that the space is available for the duration of its stay
- The map is 8m x 11m
- Please note that Mondays (or whatever is the first day you have the map) will require designated time in the morning for transport and set-up. Fridays (or whatever is the last day you have the map) will require designated time in the afternoon for take down and transport.
- Optional: Have Laura come in and lead staff the in a brief PD on using the map

After booking the Floor Map but prior to receiving it
- Send an email to all staff letting them know the dates the map will be at your school.
- Send staff a link to the video describing the map
- Send staff a link to the resources to look through prior to getting to the map.
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- http://www.canadiangeographic.com/educational_products/ipac_floor_map.asp
- The map comes with all the resources however they are all also available for download online at the Canadian Geographic Website and the District Website.
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- Use the sign-up sheet template for teachers to sign up to bring their class.
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- Available here as a google doc and also below as a word doc
- Please note time blocked off Mondays (or whatever is the first day you have the map) for transport and set-up and Fridays (or whatever is the last day you have the map) for take down and transport.
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Upon receiving the Floor Map & during its stay
- Do a quick check to ensure the following are with the map (there are a lot of resources so do not feel you must check each individual one, just a quick look is fine)
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- Binder with activities
- Bags with laminated resources
- Bag of whiteboard markers
- Bag with pylons and rope
- Residential school timeline
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- If you notice items missing please contact Laura Tapson
- Determine a place to keep resources, let teachers know where they are kept
- Unfold the floor map in the area selected.
- If it must be folded up again at the end of each day ensure the last class does this and put it in the sign up sheet.
- Send staff an email with map school schedule attached.
- Post school map schedule
When the visit is over
- Use the ‘How to Pack the Floor Map’ instructions and fold up the map.
- Check the district schedule and determine the next school it will be sent to. If it is possible to deliver it to the next school please do. If it is not possible contact Laura Tapson and she will arrange for transport.
- Thank you for using the map! We hope you and your school enjoyed the learning!
Extra Resources
Download learning activities and corresponding cards to review before the map arrives:
- How to pack a Giant Floor Map
- Info and Resources
- Introduction
- Climate Change
- Connection to The Land/Demographics
- Indigenous Governance
- Housing
- Human Rights
- Indigenous Languages
- Movement of People
- Notable People
- Original Place Names
- Residential Schools
- Seasonal Cycles and Migration Patterns
- Symbols
- Using the Timeline
- Trade Routes and Traplines
- Treaties, Land Disputes, Agreements and Rights