I can attest first hand to the need for First Nations educational resources such as the First Nations Resource Collection at all levels of curriculum in this province. I am sure that teachers would very much welcome and appreciate the material that Mr Skye and Mr Misiak have developed. Dr. Rick Monture, Professor, Indigenous Studies, McMaster University
The primary focus of the First Nations Resource Collection is on integrating the teachings about character development and Native Studies with current curriculum. Students and teachers will learn about the history and culture of the Six Nations people. The clan system is an integral component of the social structure and organization of the Haudenosaunee. This information is desperately needed in the schools of Ontario. I hope that you support this project.
Dr. Dawn Martin Hill, Academic Director, Indigenous Studies, McMaster University
The Haudenosaunee, Six Nations People, took part in the War of 1812 as allies helping with that victory then we were hung out to dry. Today I see that there is much more information about my people, like in Zig's books, where others will see what we did back then. We were and are human beings with a culture, beliefs and families. We too suffered and lost. I’m beginning to feel more proud.
Don Monture, Elder, Grand River Six Nations Territory
Zig Misiak delivered a powerful message to the students of St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School concerning the role of the Aboriginals in the War of 1812. He also met with approximately 40 Mohawk students who thoroughly enjoyed his small group discussion. Zig also demonstrated his complete commitment to increasing the students’ knowledge of the War of 1812 by volunteering to hold an extra workshop after the conference had officially concluded. On behalf of our school’s history club, the Renaissance Society, I would like to congratulate Zig for his dedication and his commitment to the education of the youth, not just of our school, but across the province.
Joe Stafford, Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic DSB
Zig - On behalf of the host organization for Heritage Day at Six Nations, we appreciate the time you took to spend the day with us, providing a display, and presenting a highly informative, and professional presentation in a non-confrontational manner. Your use of humour, in the true sense of the Haudenosaunee was sure to generate positive comments on our evaluation forms! Your current project, in conjunction with Tuscarora Artist, Raymond Skye on the Six Nations Iroquois Clan Art Cards, is an exceptional educational resource, and as anyone in the Educational field knows; long overdue. Nia:wen
Paula Whitlow, Curator, Chiefswood National Historic Site (retired), Six Nations of the Grand River Territory
This project developed by Zig Misiak and Raymond Skye, possesses high educational, as well as cultural and artistic value. It is very desirable on the regional as well as on the National level. I strongly believe that no serious moves aimed at building global understanding, can succeed without or at the sake of disappearance of local cultural roots, at the sake of communal and individual identity. The authors of this project are very serious and dedicated persons. Mr. Zig Misiak is known as an active scholar of local history, and an ardent performer/educator, re-enacting for many years the glorious pages of early Canadian history. Mr. Raymond Skye is a well-known Six Nations artist and book-illustrator, whose works are not only well known and widely circulate locally, but are known Nationally as well as abroad (e.g., they are part of State and private collections in Russia). Like Mr. Misiak, he is deeply rooted in the history and culture of his people.
Dr. Alexandr Vaschenko, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Area Studies, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
The First Nations Resource Collection is an exciting curriculum program that addresses many of the Ontario Ministry of Educations curriculum expectations, particularly in the area of Social Studies, History, the Arts and character development. It also provides a direct link to the Ontario First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework. I believe the time is right. This project is bound to take flight.
Evelyn Martin, Superintendent of Schools, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
This resource has potential to become a useful learning support for the schools of Ontario and possible for the rest of Canada. Its main theme and concepts are applicable to all Canadian students especially those who live near Native People's Communities. Many positive lessons and images are included in the stories and the follow up activities and applications. Students would benefit from being involved in this program as it has direct connections and implications with many of the issues being raised today by the Native People Nation.
John Caruana, Curriculum Superintendent, (retired)
It is high time that the elementary and secondary school students be exposed to rigorous cultural education of Aboriginal People's in order to facilitate understanding and healing across cultures. Zig and Ray's sophisticated "Clan Program" admirably fulfills such goals from a unique perspective and is a crucial resource for all Canadian teachers.
Kathryn V. Muller, Doctoral Candidate, Department of History, Queen's University
Mr. Misiak has developed an outstanding program that meets Ministry guidelines and leads students to a greater understanding of First Nations culture. It provides a very valuable resource to the First Nations Resource Collection in any school.
Brendan Ryan, Director of Education (retired)
Many times Zig and I have sat and talked about the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee people. I find him to be knowledgeable in this area. His passion and knowledge about First Nations people keeps him involved in many areas of study relating to the Iroquois. From his studies, both educational and first hand, I admire his accomplishments. He has shown me that it is honourable to discover and embrace other ethnicities with an open mind and caring heart. Such individuals add peace and harmony to this troubled world. He is a good friend.
Raymond R. Skye, Tuscarora/Seneca Six Nations Artist, Six Nations Grand River Territory
As the Eagle is the principal messenger of the Creator for the Native people, so Zig is the messenger of peace and understanding for all Canadians. Zig has a solid grasp on the issues which have obstructed the development of a mutually respectful relationship with the Native populations. His ideas and work will help us as educators to reach the developing minds and opinions of our children in time to arrest the spread of stereotypes and prejudices which have created an unacceptable situation of hatred and fear which now burden the spirits of the Canadian people. We need to open our minds and hearts to any initiative which brings peace to all members of our nations.
Dr. Dina Dalia, Principal (retired), St. John's College, Brantford Ontario, BHNCDSB
The First Nations Resource Collection is very clear and beautiful. I would endorse its use anywhere. I strongly recommend it.
Tom Porter (Sakokweniόnkwas), Author & Clan Elder Mohawk Nation Bear Clan, Akwesasne Six Nations Territory
Zig Misiak demonstrates both passion and enthusiasm in his presentation on Aboriginal History and Culture. Staff and students appreciate his genuine, down to earth approach and his personal experiences in his reenactments. His appreciation of Aboriginal History and Culture certainly opens up another world to all of us as we learn the true history of our nation and how important Aboriginal Culture and History is to Canada. Thank you Zig. Michael Lostracco, Principal, Niagara Catholic District School Board.
Mr. Misiak is very inspired by, and respectful of, First Nations communities and is well aware of the richness of culture and traditions which First Nations communities exhibit and celebrate. Mr. Misiak, has long been interested in history and is recognized by many as an acknowledged expert in historical matters.
Lloyd St. Amand, M.P., Brant (retired)
I would like to commend you for the outstanding work that you are doing to provide our schools with the necessary and valuable insight into Native history and culture. You continue to work tirelessly to enhance our children's knowledge about the Aboriginal population. Your dedication and enthusiasm is tangible and I am in awe of your efforts and your keen interest in our collective history.
Dave Levac, MPP, Brant (Speaker of the House, retired)
Zig's research and dedication to revealing and, as a history re-enactor, living the accurate history of the relationship between the people of Six Nations and the European settlers has given insight to thousands of non-Native people of all ages to the real history of Canada......Zig's heart for accuracy, authenticity, and honesty is refreshing.
Jim Windle, Editor, Tekawennake News, Six Nations Territory
I believe that, through his efforts, great progress has been made in developing a relationship between the Six Nations People and our organization, which will continue to strengthen and grow in future years.
Edward Scott UE, Past President United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada
Terri Mack at Strong Nations showed me your binder / curriculum. She said that your binder would be the best template to follow in our First Nations school and school district. Gilakas'la (thank you) for helping lead the way.
Donna Cranmer, Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations British Columbia
The pedagogy and curriculum of The First Nations Resource Collection enables learners to see their own histories, as well as those of settlers and immigrants, reflected in an inclusive, comprehensive narrative.
Jonathan Anuik, Research Assistant, Aboriginal Education Research Center, University of Saskatchewan
It’s exciting to have such a great resource as part of our collection. Congratulations on such an excellent product.
Linda McGregor, Aboriginal Specialist, Simcoe Muskoka CDSB
Zig you couldn’t have picked a better story telling set-up. Reading your books makes me want to have a fire. It was so calming, and you just wanted to sit and listen”. Roxanne Sky, Six Nations Territory on the Grand River
As an educator for over thirty years and a teacher librarian, I am thrilled to see and read Zig Misiak's book, War of 1812: Highlighting Native Nations. It is a resources every elementary and high school library should possess. The language is easy to understand and he uses images, art and illustrations effectively. He educates the reader on many fronts: the settlers, the Loyalists, the militia, the British forces, the American forces, and of course the many varied First Nations caught up in various conflicts. This is our shared history and geography as Canadians.
Zig is obviously passionate about this important topic. He masterfully takes the reader through complex situations with stunning simplicity. Zig brings unbounded energy and exhaustive research into this beautiful edition. The quality is high whether looking at the content or the actual paper chosen to bind this volume. Congratulations Zig. You have taken a large and intricate topic and woven it into a fabric that we can all feel, understand and appreciate.
Ruth A. Nicholson UE BA Bed, OCT Halton District School Board
Hamilton Branch President United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada
Zig Misiak retired in 2009 and since that time he has devoted his efforts to history education. Several books, including the one on Tonto, have been written by Mr. Misiak among them are the War of 1812, highlighting Native Nations, and Western Hooves of Thunder, about McArthur’s raid along the Grand River. And he co-authored with Raymond Sky the First Nations Resource Collection. He says he has never taken living in this great country for granted and fell in love with all aspects of its history.
The Sachem, Gazette, Barbara Martindale, For What It’s Worth
The First Nations Resource Collection is an amazing resource that is so well thought out! With a holistic learning approach embedded throughout and incredibly well organized.
Strong Nations, British Columbia, On-Line Indigenous Books
The hope of restoring good will between non Aboriginal and Aboriginal people has manifested in the form of the First Nations Resource Collection, meant to enhance the Native studies curriculum in the Six Nations area as well as other First Nations.
Wind Speaker News, Edmonton, Alberta
Though not of Native blood but rather of Polish ancestry, Zig Misiak was recognized (Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal) for his many papers, educational materials and books offering the true history of Canada which includes in a big way, the many and important contributions made by Six Nations and Mississauga warriors as allies to the Crown of England, in the establishment and protection of Canada.
Jim Windle, Editor, Tekawennake, Six Nations and Mississauga News
The illustrations by Jennifer Bettio are beautiful and charming and include the words of the poem. They are a perfect compliment to the story adding to its gentle and peaceful tone. Zig Misiak is a Polish World War II refugee who came to Canada and considers himself a student of Indigenous culture and history. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to Canadians shared past, culture, and heritage. Jennifer Bettio is an artist working in painting, graphic design and photography.
This book, Wampum, would be a perfect addition to any library and will bring a smile to the face of readers of any age.
The Anishinabek News, The Voice of the Anishinabek Nation