- Definition
A "band" is a group of Indigenous people recognized by the Canadian government, often with their own land and a governing council like a chief and councillors. Many prefer to be called a "First Nation.
The Six Nations of the Grand River is a community that functions as a band, with its own elected council and shared territory.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A band is like a large community club that has its own leaders, shared land, and traditions that connect everyone.
Ask your child: What things make a team or a club feel like they belong together?
Common mix-up: Kids might think of a musical group when they hear 'band.' In this context, a band is a community of Indigenous people with shared land, leaders, and culture, and many prefer the term First Nation.
Examples
- A band council making decisions about local schools and health services for its members.
- Members of a band gathering to share stories and practice traditions passed down through generations.
band is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 5 The Arts
- Grade 7 The Arts
- Grade 6 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 8 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 4 Social Studies / History / Geography
- Grade 5 Social Studies / History / Geography
+3 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
