Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change

The 2010 documentary Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change shares observations by Inuit elders of the severe environmental changes they are witnessing in the place and space in which they live.

"Imagine how this feels: The land and weather are turning erratic and dangerous. Warmer, unpredictable winds are coming from strange directions. Severe floods threaten to wash away towns. And native animals, the food supply, aren't behaving as they used to, their bodies less capable in the changing climate (. . .). 

These are the drastic conditions Northern Canadians, whose lives depend from childhood on their knowledge of the most minute details of the Arctic land and skies, say they see all around them. These observations by Inuit elders are detailed in a groundbreaking new documentary, Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change, by acclaimed Nunavut filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk ( The Fast Runner, The Journals of Knud Rasmussen) and environmental scientist Ian Mauro." (The Globe and Mail)

Teacher's guide for graphic novel 7 Generations

Here is a link to a teacher's guide for 7 Generations, the four-part graphic novel series written by David Alexander Robertson. 7 Generations follows the story of one Aboriginal family from 19th century to the present day. The following synopsis of each book is taken from the teacher's guide, which was written by Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair.

Book 1, Stone introduces Edwin, a young, lost Aboriginal man who must understand his family’s past if he is to have any future. In this book, Edwin learns about the life of his ancestor Stone, a young Plains Cree man who lived in the 19th century. 

In Book 2, Scars, Edwin continues his quest to learn about, understand, and embrace his family’s past. His mother tells him the story of White Cloud, an ancestor who was alive during the smallpox epidemic of 1870–1871. 

Book 3: Ends/Begins tells the story of Edwin’s father and his residential school experience. 

Book 4: The Pact is a story of redemption, as father and son reconcile their past and begin a new journey

Fatty Legs novel study

Here is a link to a novel study for Fatty Legs, a children's book on the residential school experience of Margaret Pokiak–Fenton. This text is suitable for Grades 5-8.

The link includes a two-part webinar for teachers who are interested in using Fatty Legs in their classroom. Part 1 introduces you to the author, Christy Jordan-Fenton, as well as Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, the subject of the book. Part 2 has Kerry Aiken, a Grade 7 teacher, explain how she used Fatty Legs in her classroom.

The link also includes questions and handouts you can use with your students.

Ableism

Ableist Language is so common in our everyday language that we do not even realize when we are using oppressive language. 

The Heart That Matters

White Privilege Explained

It is necessary for us all to examine our positions of privilege. Here is an informative comic to help you unpack white privilege.
white-privilege-explained/

Who has the Power?

Comics have a way of effectively explaining without simplifying difficult concepts. If you are confused about female empowerment vs. objectification, here is an excellent explanation via cartoons.  http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/04/empowered-vs-objectified/