- Definition
A clan is like a special extended family group within some First Nations communities, often linked to an animal that represents their unique role and responsibilities.
A class can learn that some Nations organize kinship and responsibilities through clan systems, while using Nation-specific resources for the details.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: In some Indigenous Nations, a clan is a kinship group that can connect people through family relationships, responsibilities, and governance.
Ask your child: Why should we learn about a Nation's clan system from that Nation's own teachings?
Common mix-up: Clan systems are not the same across Indigenous Nations, and not every Nation uses them. Avoid assigning fixed animal meanings or roles without a community-specific source.
Examples
- A member of the Deer Clan might be known for being gentle and creative.
- Someone in the Turtle Clan could have a role related to teaching or wisdom.
clan is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
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 ↗
