Contemporary Aboriginal Identities
| Articles | Blogs | Books, Fiction | Books, Non-Fiction | Film & Video | Radio | Websites |
Articles
Seeing Ourselves, Being Ourselves: Broadcasting Aboriginal Television in Canada
This article outlines the history and development of Aboriginal broadcasting in Northern Canada.
Agokwe
From the original website: "Agokwe explores unrequited love between teenage boys from neighbouring reserves. They meet briefly at a post hockey-tournament party where they bashfully confess their desire for each other. However youth, distance and isolation strive to pull the threads apart when tragedy intervenes."
Blogs
FEDCAN Blog
This blog addresses Indigenous Knowledge (FEDCAN: Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences)
Books, Fiction
Claire and Her Grandfather
An interactive online storybook. Includes games, a colouring book and teacher section. A text-only version is also available. (Primary)
April Raintree
By Beatrice Culleton Mosionier, 1992.
This story follows the lives of two Metis sisters living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It raises themes of identity, family, and native ancestry. Mature subject matter. (Senior)
Morning on the Lake
By Jan Bourdeau Waboose, 1997.
A story about the relationship between a boy and his grandfather, and the lessons about the world that the boy learns through his grandfather’s guidance. (Primary)
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
By Jake Swamp, Erwin Printup, 1995.
This book has been adapted for children by a Mohawk chief. The words in the book originated with First Nations people of upstate New York and Canada, and are based on the belief that the natural world is a precious one and rare gift that should be cherished. (Primary|Junior|Intermediate|Senior)
When the Shadbush Bloom
By Carla Messinger and Susan Katz, 2007.
An illustrated storybook about the past and present cultural experiences of two Aboriginal girls. Appropriate for young students. (Primary)
Books, Non-Fiction
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples: Exploring Their Past, Present, and Future
By John A. Roberts, Fredrick C. Sproule, Randy Montgomery, 2006.
(for Teachers)
The Sacred Tree
By Phil Lane Jr., Judie Bopp, Michael Bopp, Lee Brown, and Elders, 2004.
This book has an easily accessible introduction to many of the themes which run through most (but not all) First Nations cultures. It is helpful, but must be used with the knowledge that First Nations cultures are not monolithic.
Lessons from Turtle Island: Native Curriculum in Early Childhood Classrooms
By Guy W. Jones and Sally Moomaw, 2002.
A guide to creating an inclusive curriculum for all students, with a focus on being sensitive to Aboriginal issues. (Kindegarten|Primary)
Film & Video
Canada Celebrates National Aboriginal Day. YouTube (3:24 mins)
Recent video of a pow wow. Contains young children and a few adults dancing.
First People - Ethan is 9 years old. YouTube (3:06 mins)
This video highlights Ethan as he and his family speak about his regalia. Includes a short interview.
Wab Kinew - Heroes. YouTube (3:55 mins)
This video is set to the song Take a Minute by K'naan with words by contemporary Aboriginal artist Wab Kinew. The song and corresponding images discuss Aboriginal Heroes like Louis Riel and Buffy Ste. Marie. (Intermediate|Senior)
Ask Your Auntie
From the CBC Edmonton website: "In the aboriginal community the "auntie" plays the role of mentor and answers questions asked by young people about relationships, culture and the way of life. CBC Edmonton and the Aboriginal Women's Professional Association team up to revive the tradition of the "Auntie". We speak to Jane Woodward, of the Friendship Centre." (Intermediate|Senior)
Mi`kmaq Family = Migmaoei Otjiosog
National Film Board, 1994 (27 mins)
From the NFB website: “Mi'kmaq filmmaker and mother, Catherine Anne Martin takes a reflective journey into the extended family of Nova Scotian Mi'kmaq society.”
Nonoonse Anishinabe Ishichekewin Ka Kanawentank
National Film Board of Canada, 1980. (10 min)
From the NFB website: “ Filmed on Lake Manitoba, near the Ebb'n'Flow Reserve, Nonoonse is both a clear description of sugar-making and a quiet statement on the importance of the tradition to the Saultaux Indians of the region.”
Spudwrench – Kahnawake Man
National Film Board of Canada, 1997.
From the NFB website: “Randy Horne is a high-steel worker from the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, near Montreal. In this clip we watch men walking on the beams of a skyscraper under construction. Randy talks about his work on the 86th floor of the World Trade Center. He was known as "Spudwrench" during the 1990 Oka Crisis. This is the third film in Alanis Obomsawin's series on the events of 1990.”
Radio
Revision Quest
With Darrell Dennis.
A fabulous CBC radio show with episodes on numerous Aboriginal topics. The episodes are humorous and informative, and are meant to act as an introduction to these topics. (Intermediate|Senior)
Websites
Circle of Stories Website
From the PBS website: “Circle of Stories uses documentary film, photography, artwork and music to honor and explore Native American storytelling.”
These resources are engaging, and easily incorporated into lesson plans. Content is focused on the Native American experience. Includes lessons and activities in the ‘For Educators’ section.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Official government website about National Aboriginal Day. Includes information on the historical background of the celebration. Links to further resources are provided at the bottom of the page.
The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture
Metis Museum is an online and interactive history and culture museum. (Junior|Intermediate|Senior)
Allen Sapp Gallery: Through the Eyes of the Cree
This website provides access to the paintings in the Allen Sapp Gallery/Gonor Collection in North Battleford, SK. The website also provides links to interviews with Cree elders, Allen Sapp performing songs from his childhood and the extensive "Allen Sapp's Art - Teacher's Resource Guide".
Allen Sapp Gallery: The Gonor Collection
This website provides access to the paintings in the Allen Sapp Gallery/Gonor Collection in North Battleford, SK.
Listen to Allen Sapp perform songs from his childhood
This webpage provides links to six songs performed by Allen Sapp.