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First Nations, Metis & Inuit

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for Intermediate & Senior 2016-2017

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Intermediate

Aboriginal Education : Then and Now—Collection (Format Video)

This collection of six CBC News stories starts by delving into some of this year's biggest news in Aboriginal education -- recent revelations that Aboriginal children were subjected to nutritional experiments in residential schools. Justice Murray Sinclair and others weigh in on this controversy. The collection then explores issues cropping up in today's classrooms: should Aboriginal students be permitted to smudge despite strict "no-scent" policies in schools? How did one Saskatchewan teen respond to her school's demand she stop wearing her controversial Got Land t-shirt? Plus

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1. Got Land : The Controversial T-shirt Slogan 2. Aboriginal Children Used as Test Subjects

3. An Urban Aboriginal High School 4. First Nations Teen Told Not to Smudge Before School

5. Justice Murray Sinclair : Nutrition Experiments on Aboriginal Children

6. Rideau High Supports Aboriginal Smudging Tradition

Canadian History: Our Evolving Identity—Collection (Format Video)

Since the earliest days of contact between Aboriginal peoples and the first European arrivals, the country that came to be known as Canada has been shaped by an ongoing (and safe to say, im-perfect) process of negotiation. Multiple viewpoints and values, changing tensions and accommo-dations – this bundle of CBC documentaries, dramas and re-enactments explores the individuals, communities and events that make up the many facets of Canada's history. The collection in-cludes the following titles:

1. *Canada: A People's History (17-part series)

2. War of 1812: Been There, Won That 3. The National Dream (eight-part series)

4. *John A: Birth of a Country 5. *8th Fire (four-part series)

6. *The Mystery of the Bell 7. Aboriginal Education Then and Now (six-part collection)

Discussion guides (in print or PDF) are available as indicated (*). Cindy Blackstock (Format Video)

Peter Mansbridge sits down with Cindy Blackstock about her work advocating for the equal treat-ment and funding for aboriginal and First Nations children.

First Nations Land Disputes (Format Video)

Since Europeans first arrived in Canada, non-Natives have laid claim to lands that were once un-der the control of the Native population. Increasingly, First Nations people are asking for their land rights to be honoured. Here are two very different cases where a land dispute could leave someone in financial ruin.

First Nations Reserves Vulnerable to Fire (Format Video)

The deaths of three children in northern Saskatchewan are a cause for serious concern across the country. Canadians living on First Nations reserves are 10 times more likely to die in a house fire.

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My People, My Prayers (Format Video)

For generations, many First Nations people have rejected their own spiritual heritage in favour of strict Christian doctrine. But now young natives seeking their roots wish to incorporate the tradi-tions of their ancestors into their Christian faith. Man Alive examines the ways in which native ritual is now being welcomed into the Christian church. Fundamental spiritual practices, such as the sweat lodge, like the confessional, are cleansing rituals bringing one closer to the Creator. Pa-

rishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Edmonton say traditional forms of prayer make the Catholic mass more relevant. Michel Pa-per, however, is an elder who believes God will be offended.

Resource Development and First Nations (Format Video)

James Brander of the Sauder School of Business on what might be needed to engage B.C. coastal communities.

The Emergency at Attawapiskat (Format Video)

In late October 2012, the First Nations community of Attawapiskat declared a state of emergency. Many residents of the isolated reserve in Northern Ontario were living in tents, trailers and tem-porary shelters, even as winter closed in on them. In this News in Review story we look at the des-perate state of that community and why it needs help so badly.

This Land Is My Land : Nisga’s First Nations Movement to Privatize Land (Format—Audio)

As part of The Current's Project Money, Laura Lynch looks at a plan some are excited to begin, and others want to stop before it starts. Fifteen years after signing an historic and financially empow-ering land deal with the federal and provincial governments, the Nisga'a First Nation is among the first Aboriginal groups to approve ownership of private property.

Residential Schools : A Sad Chapter in Canadian History—Series (Format Audio & Video)

Since the late 19th century, about 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children were removed from their families and forcibly sent to residential schools. The last residential school, near Regina, closed its doors in 1996. The commission traveled across the country not only to hear from former students of First Nations residential schools, but also to facilitate reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. This collection provides a concise overview of this dark page in Canadian history. 1. Aboriginal Children Used as Test Subjects 2. Alvin Dison on Residential School and Nutritional Experiements 3. Canada’s Residential School Apology 4. Ending the Cycle of Abuse 5. Justice Murray Sinclair Interview 6. Residential Schools and hockey 7. Residential Schools: Truth and Healing 8. Rex Murphy: Truth and Reconciliation Report 9. Starvation Politics: Aboriginal Nutrition Experiments 10. Stolen Children: Truth and Reconciliation 11. The Enright Files: Aboriginal Canadians and What Society Owes 12. The Politics of Stereotypes 13. The Road to Reconciliation 14. Violation of Trust

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Saving the Native Children (Format Video) Among the arguments for Native self-government, Native leaders say one of the most im-portant is the future of their children. Giving First Nations the tools to run their communities could give their children a whole new sense of hope. But one of the responsibilities already handed over to some Native communities is proving difficult to manage, and it involves the very children they are trying to save. Here’s a feature report from the CBC’s Duncan McCue on the problems faced by some Native child welfare groups.

When Less is More : Alberta Tar Sands Exploration (Format Video)

In a poignant look at the Alberta Tar Sands project and the community of Fort McMurray, Alberta, David Suzuki investigates the development of the largest oil deposit outside of Saudi Arabia, the environmental impact, and effects on the local Mikisew Cree First Nations popula-tion. This program explores the effects of oil sands development on local and global environ-ments, and on the city of Fort McMurray. It also asks viewers to think critically about the role and responsibility of governments, oil companies, and consumers.

Changing Ground (Format Video)

Members of the Stó:lo nation, a First Nations group in British Columbia, make an extraordi-nary journey into a remote corner of Papua New Guinea. They are invited by the Maisin, a tribe of about 2,000 living as their ancestors did at the edge of the rainforest. In the Maisin, these Stó:lo people will encounter a traditional culture, intact and thriving in the modern world, a community united in their determination to protect their lands and ways. In the Stó:lo, the Maisin will see a people who have experienced the losses they dread, but who

have survived and prevailed over the forces that threaten their fragile culture. This program documents a remarkable meeting be-tween the past and several possible futures.

Québékois (Format Video)

They had to go to the other side of the planet, specifically Tibet, to realize it. Mélanie Carrier and Olivier Hig-gins are a pair of active thirtysomethings with friends all over the world, but they didn’t know what to call the people who have always lived in their home, Quebec. Why are so many Quebecers so ignorant of the First Na-tions, even though studies show that more than half of them have at least one aboriginal ancestor? Why are clichés and prejudices so persistent? How can the situation be improved? By getting on their bikes and heading out along the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, where they meet all kinds of people (both spontaneously and not), the two young people try to get a firmer grasp on relations between Quebec’s aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples.

An Urban Aboriginal High School (Format Video)

This CBC News report from Waubgeshig Rice introduces an Ottawa school that is finding out that flexibility and culture are crucial to turning out graduates. Vanessa Snowboy is one of 35 students enrolled at Ottawa’s Urban Aboriginal Alternate High School, run out of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. She speaks Cree freely with other classmates who are also originally from the eastern James Bay region of Quebec. She’s also learned how to bead, sew and make hand drums, all the while earning high school credits in hopes of graduating within the next

two years. Like many of the other First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in the program, Snowboy was struggling at a conventional high school, when a guidance counsellor suggested she try this unique classroom setting.

https://offqc.com/

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Best of News in Review: Native Studies, Volume 2—(Collection) (Format Video)

Whether delving into new theories about the first inhabitants of the Americas or providing back-ground on the dire situation in Attawapiskat, these stories are perfect primers for students who don’t always follow the news. You’ll get recent events in a historical context supported by teacher resource guides. Stories include:

1. The Emergency in Attawapiskat 2. Revising the History of the Americas 3. Residential Schools: Truth and Healing 4. Diving for Clues to Canadian History 5. Toxic Water: The Kashechewan Story

ReVision quest, 2009 Season (Format Audio)

ReVision Quest is back by popular demand with another round of hilarious and provocative top-ics. First Nations comic and host Darrell Dennis tackles assumptions about aboriginal culture with humour and personality.

1. Aboriginals and the Police 2. Aboriginals and H1N1 3. But, is it art? 4. Ghetto-ization, or Assimilation? 5. Indianthusiasts 6. Jesus vs. Nanabush

7. Labels 8. Native Gangs 9. Natives in the Military 10. Racism and the Olympics

Toxic Water : the Keshechewan Story (Format PDF)

In fall 2005, Canadians were stunned to hear of the appalling living conditions on the Kasheche-wan First Nations Reserve in Northern Ontario. Initial reports documented the

presence of E. coli in the reserve’s drinking water. This was followed by news of poverty

and despair, a reflection of a standard of living that many thought unimaginable in Canada. This News in Review story looks at the crisis in Kashechewan.

8th Fire—Collection (Format Video)

With its energetic pace and stunning HD landscapes, 8th Fire propels us past prejudice, stereo-types and misunderstandings, to encounters with an impressive new generation of Aboriginal Canadians who are reclaiming both their culture and their confidence. We meet the emerging leaders, artists, activists and thinkers. We explore the best ideas for change. Above all, 8th Fire examines the way forward to a second chance to get the relationship right.

1. At the Crossroads 2. Indigenous in the City 3. It’s time! 4. Whose Land is it Anyway?

Teacher’s Challenge : Seven Days in a Struggling School (Format Video)

Prince Rupert’s Roosevelt Park Elementary School recently found itself at the bottom of the list in the Fraser Institute’s ranking of BC elementary schools. In response, principal Steve Riley invites Mark Kelley to take a closer look at his troubled school. In his short tenure, Mark comes up against some tough questions. In a primarily First Nations community with severe unemployment and few prospects, is it possible Roosevelt Park is the worst school because its community has some of the worst problems? And what’s more important, is there a future for kids who have been labelled the worst?

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Senior

It Feels Like We’re On the Cusp : First Nations and the Future of Ca-nadian Citizenship (Format Audio)

Part history lesson, part memoir, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations takes to the stage to share stories of the people he represents and his own past. In his lecture titled It Feels Like We're On the Cusp, National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo sets out why he believes First Nations peo-ples are on the cusp of change. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship's 11th LaFontaine-Baldwin

Symposium is presented in partnership with the Stratford Festival. It was recorded at the Avon Theatre on August 10, 2013.

Human Rights and Today’s Aboriginal Children and Youth

(Format Audio) Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond is British Columbia's Representative for Children and Youth. She believes the welfare of aboriginal children is a human rights issue. In the 2013 Vancouver Human Rights Lecture, Turpel-Lafond makes the case there's been little progress on the human rights of First Nation's children in today's Canada. The 2013 Vancouver Human Rights Lecture is presented in collaboration with The Laurier Institution, UBC Continuing Studies, and CBC Radio One's Ideas.

Stories from the River’s Edge (Format Video)

Each year hundreds of Aboriginal students in Northern Ontario are forced to leave their families and homes to pursue something the rest of the country takes for granted — a high school educa-tion. The Fifth Estate presents an extremely up-close and personal look inside the lives of students and staff at the Dennis Franklin Cromarty First Nations High School in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This documentary tells a story of struggle, of kids trying to get ahead and of a remarkable school work-ing under enormous pressures. Warning: This program contains mature themes and language.

Viewer discretion is advised.

Starvation Politics : Aboriginal Nutrition Experiments

(Format Audio) If Canada is contrite about taking First Nations children from their families and sending them to residential schools, what apology is appropriate for not feeding them enough once there? We explore new revelations that some aboriginal people were kept intentionally malnourished for government nutritional experiments. Newly uncovered documents reveal that about the time Canadian soldiers shouldered weapons to stop some of history's worst crimes unfolding in Eu-

rope, unsettling events were unfolding at home. Employees of the Canadian government were conducting experiments in malnutri-tion; intentionally withholding nourishment from unknowing subjects.

Blind Spot :What Happened to Canada’s Aboriginal Fathers?

(Format Video) It is a fact of life for many Aboriginal children in this country: their dads are absent. And if the sta-tistics don't change, a growing number of First Nations boys will typically, and tragically, become absent dads themselves. In contrast to the efforts being made across the country when it comes to single Aboriginal mothers, this fatherlessness is a cycle that very few Canadians are talking about. This special report from CBC Saskatchewan looks at the problem from a historical context,

including the effect on families of the residential school system. It also features the efforts of individuals and organizations in Regina working to break the cycle.

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Senior

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women—Collection (Format Video)

CBC News has probed 230 unsolved cases of Canada’s missing and murdered indigenous women, confirming them through an exhaustive process that included checks with police, families, commu-nity leaders and other organizations. More than 110 families participated in interviews, recounting stories about their loved ones. They also described their experiences with the police. For more information, please visit the CBC interactive website: Missing & Murdered: Unsolved cases of in-

digenous women and girls. Warning: The videos in this collection contain strong language and mature content. Viewer discretion is advised. 1. Amber Tuccaro’s Unsolved Murder 2. Canada’s Disgrace : Our Missing Aboriginal Women 3. Felicia Solomon’s Story 4. Police Get a Failing Grade 5. The Unsolved Murder of Leah Anderson

Ipperwash, Dudley George and Police Surveillance (Format Video) In January 2004, CBC News obtained surveillance videotapes taken by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers in September 1995 at Ipperwash Provincial Park. The recordings were made as Abo-riginal protesters from the Stony Point First Nation occupied the park, and in one tape police offic-ers can be heard making racist remarks about the protesters. These remarks were recorded the day before police moved in on the unarmed Stony Point group and an OPP sniper killed Dudley George. The OPP said it didn't condone the remarks and that the two officers recorded on the

tape were disciplined.

Conspiracy of Silence—2 Part Series (Format Video)

A tragic and troubling true story that made headlines across the nation, this two-hour drama re-counts the life of Helen Betty Osborne, a young Aboriginal student who was brutally beaten and slain in a The Pas, Manitoba town in 1971. Her murder remained unsolved for nearly 16 years, de-spite the fact that within days of the tragedy, rumours began circulating of the identity of the four men involved. It gradually came to light that rather than come forward with information, the townspeople closed ranks and refused to help the RCMP in their investigation. When finally

brought to trial, a grim account of racism and conspiracy unfolded. Based on material from the book Conspiracy of Si-lence by Toronto Star journalist Lisa Priest. WARNING: This program contains disturbing images, language and subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.

http://www.cbc.ca/missingandmurdered/

http://www.cbc.ca/missingandmurdered/

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FIRST NATIONS, METIS & INUIT

An Introduction to First Nations Culture & Traditions In An Introduction to First Nations Cuture and Traditions, students are provided with a broad overview of First Nations life and culture. Your host, Cedar Smoke, introduces students to some important aspects of First Nations life - regalia and dance, food, drumming, powwows and the importance of the environment. Elders share their wisdom regarding cultural prac-tices, laws and traditional values.

An Overview of Residential Schools : Elementary Version First Nations people have lived in this country for many thousands of years. They were here long before anyone else. In the 16th century, European explorers and mis-sionaries began making their way to Canada. Many of these people worked with the native people, learning from them and helping them. However, the Europeans also brought with them diseases like smallpox, tuberculosis and measles. Native people had never been in contact with these germs and many thousands died as a result.

Canada : Living with the Tar Sands Host Simon Baker heads home to the Squamish Nation on the north shore of Vancouver to see why First Nations in this part of the world are opposed to the Oil Sands project, the Northern Gateway pipeline and the resulting expansion of tanker traffic along their coast. Driven by his culture and the will of his relatives, Simon follows the path of the oil from the Tar Sands in northern Alberta to the end of the proposed pipeline in Kitimat, BC. Along the way, he listens to the voices, for and against, that echo the environmental debate over Can-ada’s economic superstar. In the boom town of Ft. McMurray, the heart of the Oil Sands project, a visiting Nobel women’s initiative is led by Melina Laboucan, a Cree woman and

environmental activist at the front line of Green Peace’s opposition to Oil Sands.

Charles de Salaberry The Americans were marching to take Lower Canada and strangle supply lines to the east. The Canadians were outnumbered and had few British regulars. Find out how the efforts of the Canadian militia, First Nations warriors, and the shrewd Charles de Salaberry gave the Americans an unwelcome surprise.

First Nations Tevya goes deep into the woods to explore the spiritual ways of North America's first Aboriginal people- the people of the First Nations. While he has seen head-dresses, Pow-Wows, sweat lodges and teepees on television, Tevya knows nothing about what First Nations people really believe or what their rituals are. After meeting two indigenous teenagers, Tevya experiences some firsthand!

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Hidden Legacies

Hidden Legacies, directed by Anishinaabe filmmaker Lisa Jackson, profiles young people whose parents and grandparents attended government-initiated, church-run, Indian Residential Schools. In their own words, these inter-generational survivors—a rapper, a mother, a boxer, a social work student and others—share their stories of struggle, resistance and resilience. They show how land, spiritual practice, and family have been sources of strength and transfor-

mation.

Let’s Learn about our Federal Government Continuing with our natural disaster theme, the federal agency Environment Can-ada is developing a new Doppler radar system to help detect tornadoes. From here, our two young students delve into the function and responsibilities of Cana-da's federal government. We learn about the following: Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government; Democracy; Monarchy; Parliamentary System; House of Commons, Senate, Prime Minister; Governor General; Cabinet Minis-ters; Speaker of the House; Political Party; Assembly of the First Nations.

Life and Work of Alex Janvier Alex Janvier has long been recognized as one of Canada’s greatest artistic treas-ures whose work helped change the face of Canadian art. He is an internationally renowned artist whose paintings are in great demand and have been exhibited in galleries and private collections around the world. For Janvier, a Dene Suline from the Cold Lake First Nations Reserve in Alberta, painting has always been a way to tell a story and his art reflects the incredible changes that have taken place to In-digenous people in Canada during his lifetime. It has been said that his paintings

are not so much to be looked at as to be experienced for they reflect the lives of his people, their culture, their traditions, their hopes, and their fears. This inspiring film tells the story of a man who overcame tre-mendous obstacles and dedicated his life to fighting prejudice and racism against all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis People through his art and through his actions. It is a story that will stir the emotions and imagina-tions of all those who love art and all those who stand up for what they believe.

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Martha of the North In the mid-1950s, lured by false promises of a better life, Inuit families were dis-placed by the Canadian government and left to their own devices in the Far North. In this icy desert realm, Martha Flaherty and her family lived through one of Cana-dian history’s most sombre and little-known episodes.

National Symbols of Canada Every country has its own set of unique symbols. These establish an identity that sets the country apart from other nations in the world. Symbols also tell a story of a nation, its people, environment and history. More important, symbols embody what a nation represents, both to other nations and to its citizens. They represent the values, goals and aspirations that are shared by all its citizens. Our symbols tell us stories about the Inuit who have lived in Canada for a very long time and the French and English who were the first Europeans to establish permanent

settlements in Canada and the many different nationalities who have helped settle this vast country.

Native Arts and Crafts Although Native arts and crafts were traditionally an expression of spirituality, for many artists today, arts and crafts have become a means of livelihood. Ancient Native art in the form of petroglyphs or rock carvings, and pictographs or rock paintings, have been found in various sites across Canada and some have been dated from 3,500 to 4,500 years old. The art of speech, or oral art, recounts in sto-ries, myths and legends the origins of the Earth and its creatures. Among many different tribes, common traditional art was in the form of decorated leather

work, quill work, basketry and bead work. The Inuit were, and still are, famous for their soapstone carvings. Today, Native craft training and marketing boards are assisting artisans and craftspeople across the coun-try. For some it has proven to be a means of livelihood, and for others – a way to connect with, appreciate and fully understand their culture and traditions.

Ordeal by Fire : Canada 1917—1918 Ordeal by Fire: Canada 1917-1918 identifies the major events of the Great War. Within this context, key Canadian battles on the Western Front – gas attack at Ypres, the futility of the Somme, the remarkable victory at Vimy, overcoming the mud of Passchendaele, and Canada’s Hundred Days – are examined. The war in the air and the war at sea are depicted. The video programs intersperse events overseas with happenings on the Home Front including the impact of the war on daily life and contributions to the war effort by women, First Nations’ communi-

ties and visible minorities. Canada’s wartime economy, the growth of autonomy and the Conscription Crisis of 1917 are explored.

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Overview of the War of 1812 200 years ago on June 18th, 1812, President James Madison and the United States Congress declared war on Great Britain. Battles raged throughout the continent for over two years before peace was negotiated. To mark this bicentennial, CTV's Canada AM spent the day at historic Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The vari-ous segments will give students a brief overview of the life and times of officers; the role of First Nations people; the role of Laura Secord; and the importance of the War of 1812 in Canada's history. Segments include: Introduction The Im-

portance of the War of 1812 Role of First Nations in 1812 Laura Secord's role in 1812 Food for officers at Fort George Fashion during the War of 1812

Residential Schools : Truth and Reconciliation in Canada—Secondary Version Indian Residential Schools are a part of our shared history in Canada. Prior to European contact, First Na-tions people had their own education system, governing system, beliefs and customs. While some positive alliances were established, the arrival of missionaries and others kicked off a systematic attack on the tradi-tional customs and culture of native communities. Through a series of government proclamations, acts and treaties, aboriginal groups across the country began to lose the land they depended on for survival. A major part of the treaty agreements was the establishment of a good education system for aboriginal children. As momentum for settlement of the west and the building of a national railway grew, so did the Canadian governments need to fulfill the obligations of these treaties. In 1883, Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald authorized the creation of three “industrial schools.” Thus began the misguided attempt “to kill the Indian in the child.” Between 1879 and 1986, at least 150,000 aboriginal children in Canada - almost a third of abo-riginal children -were forcibly removed and placed into Indian Residential Schools. Their family ties were cut, clothes replaced, and children were prevented from return-ing home. The telling of Canada’s history is not complete without this story. And it is a somewhat modern day story. Many of these people still live among us today. This pro-gram will help viewers begin to understand part of that story.

Stand : An Environmental Documentary Stand takes viewers on a journey through the waters of British Columbia's stunning west coast. Under threat by a proposed Gateway pipeline and tanker route, is a coastline of immense beauty, pristine ecosys-tems and a way of life rich in culture and history. Through the efforts of expedition stand-up paddler Norm Hann, a high school class building their own paddleboards as a form of protest, and iconic west coast surfer Raph Bruhilwer, the people, landscape and wildlife that would be affect-ed by an oil spill are spotlighted and the consequences are dire. Stand takes you to the core of the issue and raises questions that not only affect B.C., but waterways around the world.

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Seven Grandfather Teachings : Character Development Before the early settlers arrived in what is Canada today, there were already many Aboriginal peoples living here. Each of these groups has unique beliefs about how the earth was created and how people came to exist. These beliefs are often passed from generation to generation through traditional teachings. Traditional teachings have been passed down orally from generation to genera-tion by Elders. The elders have used their experience and wisdom to help people in their communities make good decisions. In this new program, students learn

about The Seven Grandfather Teachings, also known as The Seven Sacred Teachings. This is a set of teach-ings on human conduct towards others. They are what was traditionally and still is to this day needed in order for communities to survive. Almost all First Nation people follow them. They also apply to every cul-ture. People all over the world should and do follow these simple teachings on human conduct. The teach-ings - love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth cannot be used in isolation. You must practice all of them. To practice one without the other would amount to practicing the opposite of that teaching. Therefore, to not love is to be fearful; to not be humble is to be self-centred; to not be honest is to be dishonest; to not be courageous is to be cowardly. In this wonderful new program hosted by Curve Lake First Nations entertainer Missy Knott, students learn of the history of The Seven Sacred Teachings and meet Coast Tsminshian First Nations Elder and Educator, Shannon Thunderbird who delightfully shares and explains each teaching. With her flair for storytelling, Shannon describes the virtues of being a good person, taking care of one another and taking care of the Earth. An invaluable lesson for all.

Tecumseh The Americans were expanding west, further encroaching on First Nations land. Tecumseh knew the best chance for his people would be to band together and join the British in the War of 1812. See how this Shawnee warrior’s stunning vic-tories and shattering defeats altered the future of North America forever.

The Metis in Canada The Métis are one of Canada's three official Aboriginal peoples and have played an instrumental role in shaping the Canada we know today. Narrated and produced by multi award winning Métis film maker Matt LeMay , The Métis in Canada pro-vides the viewer with a compelling overview of the history, culture and heritage of the Métis people.

People of the Kattawapikak River Alanis Obomsawin’s documentary The People of the Kattawapiskak River exposes the housing crisis faced by 1,700 Cree in Northern Ontario, a situation that led Atta-wapiskat’s band chief, Theresa Spence, to ask the Canadian Red Cross for help. With the Idle No More movement making front page headlines, this film provides background and context for one aspect of the growing crisis.

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The Fur Trade and the Opening of Canada

Across the future Canada, communities of Aboriginal Peoples inhabit a land of lakes and rivers. They hunt

beaver and other fur-bearing animals. The pelts are worn for warmth and ceremony. European explorers,

searching for a shortcut to the riches of China, encounter an unknown continent. Cabot reaches Newfound-

land. Furs begin to make their way back to Europe. In London and Paris, furs are the fashion rage. To meet

the growing demand, Champlain builds a settlement at Quebec and explores inland. The Algonquin and Hu-

ron eagerly exchange fur pelts with coureurs-de-bois for goods made of iron. The Great Lakes basin is

mapped. As the fur trade grows, so does New France. But the Iroquois, who trade with the English, covet

the French fur trade. Fierce wars erupt between the tribes. The Iroquois destroy much of Huronia and sever

the French fur supply. New France teeters on the edge of disaster. Radisson and des Groseilliers, working

for the English king, plan to ship furs out of Hudson Bay. The expedition is a success and the Hudson’s Bay

Company is born. Furs destined for New France find their way to English trading posts. The French, led by

La Verendrye, counter with a string of posts stretching west from Lake

Superior. The struggle for empire between France and England leads to

the Seven Years’ War. New France becomes a British colony. English

merchants take over the French fur trade and create the North West

Company to compete with the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Nor’west-

er, Mackenzie, reaches the Pacific Ocean by land. Rivalry threatens to

bankrupt the two companies. The Nor’westers merge with the Hud-

son’s Bay Company.

The Whale

One summer in a fjord called Nootka Sound on the remote west coast of Vancou-

ver Island, British Columbia, a young killer whale whom people call Luna gets sep-

arated from his pod. Like us humans, orcas are highly social and depend on their

families, but Luna finds himself desperately alone. So he tries to make contact

with people. He begs for attention at boats and docks. He looks soulfully into your

eyes. He wants to have his tongue rubbed. When you whistle at him, he squeaks and whistles back. He fol-

lows you around like a puppy. People fall in love with him -- a cook on an old freighter, a gruff fisheries

officer, an elder and a young man from a First Nations band. But the government decides that being friend-

ly with Luna is bad for him, and tries to keep him and people apart. This effort becomes hilarious and

baffling, because Luna refuses to give up his search for a social life.

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We Were Children

In this feature film, the profound impact of the Canadian government’s resi-

dential school system is conveyed through the eyes of 2 children who were

forced to face hardships beyond their years. As young children, Lyna and

Glen were taken from their homes and placed in church-run boarding

schools, where they suffered years of physical, sexual and emotional abuse,

the effects of which persist in their adult lives. We Were Children gives

voice to a national tragedy and demonstrates the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

Without Running Water—Part 1

Running water is taken for granted in Canada, yet Oji-Cree people in over 1400 homes 600 km north of

Winnipeg live without it. Situated on Island Lake, the sixth largest lake in Manitoba, the absence of running

water denies them fire protection. It creates daily challenges for cooking and maintaining adequate levels

of sanitation. The result was unacceptably high levels of H1N1 flu during

the epidemic of 2009. First Nations residents in Wasagamack share their

struggles to keep a basic standard of health and cleanliness. In 2010 the

United Nations declared clean water and sanitation a basic human right.

When UN members were asked to sign on to this declaration, Canada’s

Prime Minister abstained from the vote. This leaves those affected won-

dering about Canada's lack of political will to change third-world living con-

ditions in its own back yard.

Without Running Water—Part 2

First Nations residents in the Island Lake region of east central Manitoba long for a clean supply of running

water and sanitation that most Canadians take for granted. They discuss huge efforts that life without run-

ning water creates for cooking, bathing, laundry and keeping their homes clean. It isn’t easy with their reli-

ance on outdoor toilets and sanitation challenges of slop pail use for waste disposal during the winter. Alt-

hough a water treatment plant was built at St. Theresa Point in 1998, it did not begin to meet the needs of

this community for the term initially planned and only half the community has proper functioning running

water. Some residents cling to the hope that things will improve and they

will eventually have a clean supply of running water and proper sanitation.

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First Nations

In this series, the assignment is to learn as much as possible about this species is at risk, and what is being done to make sure it doesn't become extinct. Each episode provides adventure and insights. Deep in the boreal forest Frankie and Tanner, adventurists, meet research scientists, and assist with field research. From an Aboriginal elder they learn about Cree lifestyle,

and how Aboriginal traditional knowledge is helping protect the caribou. In the final episode, Frankie and Tanner experience the high tech world of CSI where caribou genetics is the mystery to be solved in the "crime lab."

Woodland Caribou—Series Discovering the Slate Islands:

On assignment to find out why the forest dwelling woodland caribou are a species at risk, Frankie and Tan-ner travel to the Slate Islands Provincial Park in northern Ontario to meet up with Steve Kingston, an Ontario Parks ecologist. From him they learn about woodland caribou biology and why the islands are an unusual habi-tat for them. Together, they kayak around the islands hoping to get their first glimpse of these illusive boreal forest dwellers.

Tracking the Caribou

Frankie heads north to talk with Dr. Art Rogers, a research scientist, about his field research into the habitat needs of woodland caribou. He is trying to find out how much human disturbance woodland caribou can toler-ate. Dr. Rogers introduces the latest technology used for tracking caribou and shows footage of a calf being born. Meanwhile Tanner stays behind and skypes Steve Kingston to learn more about the life cycle of wood-land caribou.

Sharing the Boreal

Frankie and Tanner meet Rick Groves, a forester at AV Terrace Bay pulp mill. He introduces them to modern forestry practices and gives them a tour of the mill. Here the team learns that caribou are not the only species that depends on the boreal forest. They start to realize that protecting a species like the woodland caribou will not be as easy as they thought.

On the Heels of the Predators

Frankie flies north to join research scientist Dr. Brent Patterson on a quest to locate dropped radio collars that he used to monitor wolves in the Nakina, Ontario region. Meanwhile Tanner skypes Dr. David Beresford, an en-tomologist, who introduces him to the variety of micro predators that torment and sometimes even kill cari-bou.

Seeking Aboriginal Knowledge

Tanner travels to northern Quebec to meet Cree elder Thomas Coon and his grandson Riley. Thomas introduc-es Tanner to Cree traditions. He talks about the changes he has seen to caribou habitat and what his people are doing to help protect them. Meanwhile Frankie meets Dr Cheryl Johnson, a wildlife ecologist at Environ-ment Canada. Dr Johnson shows Frankie how research data gets used to model the habitat needs of woodland caribou.

CSI to the Rescue

Frankie and Tanner fly north into the heart of the boreal forest in winter time. They assist Jennifer Shuter, a biologist, in gathering caribou pellets. Later they meet Dr. Paul Wilson at his "CSI" forensic lab where they learn how this state-of-the-art technology and "caribou poop" are helping in the recovery of woodland caribou populations.

first nations, metis & inuit · first nations, metis & inuit saving the native hildren...

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