Land and Indigenous people

Respond to one of the quotes that I handed out.
Pick the quote that you feel the most strongly about.

Do you agree or disagree with the quote?
Describe your opinion with evidence. Why do you agree/disagree with the quote?

What is your connection to land?  When you are outside, what senses are affected most?
Describe.   20 marks

leaks by Leanne Simpson

After we read and analyze the poem leaks by Leanne Simpson,

write a reflective paragraph on the following :

Think about someone close to you- parent, grand-parents, relatives or anyone who really see you, and your full potential.

How would they describe you and your future?
What parts of your life and culture would you take forward and would keep you strong?

I am looking for a thoughtful, descriptive paragraph that contains at least two poetic imagery devices or devices.

For a strong mark,  connect your experience to the poem.

If you are in Grade 12, I expect a longer paragraph, or two- at least 300 words, with at least two direct references from the poem.

Reel Injun Film

Reel Injun fits into current themes in our class.....resilience, stereotypes, how to identify strengths in face of adversity.

Watch and think of the following questions from the Reel Injun website:  

Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond, from northern Quebec (near the Arctic Circle), has made a documentary tracing the history of Hollywood’s representation of Native Americans. 

Reel Injun is a rich tool to examine the most serious issues regarding these depictions, including topics such as: 

. “Injuns” in Hollywood

 . What is the difference between an “Injun” and a human being?

 . The evolution of the image of Indians in westerns 

. Cowboy-and-Indian myths: What do they mean to North America?

 . What are the effects of negative stereotypes on Native people?

 . Native activism (American Indian Movement) 

. Identities and cultural exchanges

i am graffiti compare/contrast

Grade 12‐ Compare/Contrast Paragraph

Respond to one of the quotes below and compare to the poem, I am graffiti .

 How does the poem support the quote or contrast with Simpon's view of Indigenous people?

In a paragraph, compare/contrast the quote and poem.

You will be graded on the following (20 marks) :

Strong thesis statement
Include at least three lines of the poem, and the quotation in your paragraph
Your evaluation of the poem/quote is clear

This paragraph is due on Thursday, May 5. As you will have class time to write the
assignment, late work will accepted for 50%.

Pick one of the following:

​“We are seeing healing among the stolen generations, and initiatives which are enabling
Indigenous people to make their distinctive contribution to our national life”. Malcolm Fraser


“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.”
“Don't believe the dark whisperings that invite you to walk backward. At any time in your life,
you have the power to turn forward.”  Anasazi Foundation



  “Life cracks us into unrecognizable shards of former incarnations. Slivers of our hurt and our
pain and our shame nestles next to fragments of our truth, our divinity, our fierce reclamation of
power.

It is this very brokenness that allows us to knit together, kaleidoscope style. And we spin and
shift and turn to the light until we appear brilliant, lit from within. Suddenly we are revealed;
unexpected beauty born directly from brokenness.

We have to be willing to break in order to become.”

― Jeanette LeBlanc

Stereotypes - past and present

To understand now, it is essential to understand how stereotypes have affected Indigenous peoples in history.  It is especially important to examine stereotypes so better understand Indigenous literature, where Indigenous writers will use irony, satire and sarcasm in their story telling, to blow apart stereotypes.

Please take a look at the question below and the learning objectives.  Tomorrow we will watch  Reel Injun and look at the stereotypes that have been perpetuated in history. 

On Friday, you will take on a creative project using media, to create a cartoon that mocks those stereotypes with a more truthful view of Indigenous peoples......

The question: 

 What are some Native American generalizations and stereotypes and have they changed much, 

if at all, from the early 1800s? 

For discussion:

What are stereotypes based on ? How do you change perceptions?

Are there characters now in media that shatter the stereotypes in film?

Assignment- choose one below:

1. Research a character in film, literature or real life that challenges stereotypes of Indigenous peoples. Write a paragraph on the character and how they challenge a stereotype.

2. Create a character. You may draw out a character on paper, use tools of technology. Include a few descriptive sentences on your character.

3. Write a short story. Maybe you could rewrite a film character's destiny? Be creative!

4. Write from a personal perspective. Have you faced a stereotype?
What was your experience, your feelings. How could you challenge the stereotype and how would you re-write the story?

Please include artwork (for bonus marks- 5)

 I welcome creative any other creative ideas.

If you need more ideas or missed the film, check out the cartoons in this website: 

http://www.eastconn.org/tah/1011SM1_NativeAmericanGeneralizationsStereotypelesson.pdf

20 marks. 

REDx Talks- Roseanne Supernault

https://vimeo.com/163754710

Roseanne opens up her talk by telling the meaning of her family name, 

as a journey of walking through heaven. 

Roseanne focuses on the greatness of our journeys, and the potential to reach our dreams. 

Think about the following questions: 

What is the greatness of your journey?  

What bites you?  Where do you feel most alive? 

How could the world see you in your true light and humanity?  

What journey would you need to take?  

What would you need?  

Your task: 

Either write a poem of at least five lines and begin with one of the following lines:

A journey walking through heaven

or 

The greatness of my journey begins......

Or write a "list" poem of ten things that you need to make your dreams come true

Or answer the questions above in a paragraph, six to eight sentences.