There has been a lot of buzz (see what I did there?) around Blackflies, Robert Munsch's first book set on reserve, specifically located in Northern Alberta. The illustrations were done by Jay Odjick, who is Algonquian from Kitigan Zibi First Nation.
Read moreJunior Level Resources - Shannen and the Dream for a School by Janet Wilson
One question that emerged in many of my presentations this past month was, how can my students see Indigenous peoples as something other than victims? In response, I suggest highlighting the resilience and resistance of Indigenous peoples, especially young people, and bringing their stories into the classroom.
Part non-fiction novel, part scrapbook, Shannen and the Dream for a School, tells the true story of Shannen Koostachin (Mushkegowuk/Swampy Cree - Attawapiskat First Nation) one of the young people who fought for a new school in her home First Nation.
The book includes recent and historical images of Shannen and her family, related newspaper clippings, a timeline and a historical section at the back.
Questions to Consider
- How can my students come to see Indigenous peoples as more than victims or people to be pitied?
- Where are opportunities to focus on Indigenous resistance and resilience?
fatty legs
If you are taking your first steps towards incorporating Indigenous content into your classroom, one of my favorite strategies to begin with is a read-aloud with your students, allowing their questions to guide your collective learning
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