Art of the Far North: Inuit Sculpture, Drawing, and Printmaking (Print-Non-Fiction). Finley, Carol. Lerner Publications (FHW), 1998. 56 p. ISBN 0-8225-2075-3 ($35.95 hdc.).
(CAN, I/M) Traditional ways have changed drastically over the past 50 years giving rise to Inuit artists whose work captures the customs, beliefs and legends of their people. Full-colour reproductions and a straightforward text give insight into the sculpture, drawing and printmaking of the Inuit. One of the chapters discusses such major influences on Inuit visual art as myths and legends, nature, the hunt and drum dancing. A regional map and an artist's gallery make this a good resource for interdisciplinary units dealing with Inuit peoples.
Suggested Use: Introduction; Unit 2: Development
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; Native Studies: Grade 10; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
Blueberry Clouds (Print-Anthology). Bouvier, Rita. (New Leaf Editions Series). Thistledown Press Ltd. (LRDC), 1999. 64 p. Order no. 2659 ($7.90 pbk.).
(I/M, SK) This is a thoughtful collection of poems, both personal and social, that reflect the author's feelings and memories of growing up Métis in Saskatchewan. The pieces range from ones of violence to the sustaining traditions and values passed on through Rita Bouvier's extended family. This slim volume is a compelling read. Translations of Cree and Michif words are included.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: English Language Arts 20; Native Studies: Grade 10
The Book of Joe (Print-Fiction). Ross, Ian. J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing (LRDC), 1999. 111 p. Order no. 646 ($17.40 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) "Joe from Winnipeg" is a series of weekly commentaries penned and performed by Ian Ross on CBC Radio One. These humourous commentaries reflect a compassionate and curious Everyman. In this collection, Ross delves into such pressing social issues as, immunization, peekaboo, dogs wearing nail polish, odometer checks and the new millennium. The author uses a stereotypical "native voice" that supplies part of the humour. Teachers may want to point out that the author is poking fun at himself.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
Bruegel the Elder: His Life and Art (Video). Films for the Humanities & Sciences Inc. (KIN), 1998. 28 min. Order no. 3149 ($139.95).
A biographical account of Peter Bruegel, an influential painter who lived during the 16th century, is presented in this video. Insight into the world in which Bruegel lived is shown through the viewing of his most famous works. This resource gives an in-depth look at an artist who is relatively unknown. Serious art students who are researching the influence of 16th century artists will gain insight into the life and times of Bruegel while viewing this video.
Suggested Use: Introduction
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Canadian Art: From Its Beginnings to 2000 (Print-Non-Fiction). Newlands, Anne. Firefly Books Ltd. (FIR), 2000. 355 p. ISBN 1-55209-450-2 ($85.00 hdc.).
(CAN, I/M)) Anne Newland's book profiles 300 artists, presenting them in alphabetical order. Each profile includes a colour reproduction by the artist, a brief biography and an accompanying text that provides an interpretive description of each work set in a historical and regional context. The coverage of historical art is balanced, and the inclusion of Inuit and First Nations artists as well as multimedia, installation art and photography is laudable. The rich legacy and diversity of Canadian visual arts makes this survey of Canadian art a welcome event.
Suggested Use: Introduction
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; Arts Education: Secondary Level; Native Studies: Grade 10
Donna's Story (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 2001. 51 min. Order no. C9101 025 ($39.95).
(I/M, SK) In this video, Donna, a Cree woman from Saskatchewan, discusses how she left the streets to start a new life. As a counsellor to women inmates, Donna supports other young women in their attempt to avoid a life of addiction and prostitution. It is Donna's hope that her work will help break the cycle of poverty and abuse.
Previewing is highly recommended prior to use.
Suggested Use: Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: Canadian Studies
Duncan Campbell Scott: The Poet and the Aboriginals (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 1995. 57 min. Order no. 9195 002 ($39.95).
(CAN, I/M) Duncan Campbell Scott (1862-1947) is best known as one of Canada's prominent early literary figures. Scott, however, had another, less honourable impact on Canadian history. From 1913 until 1932 Scott was responsible for the implementation of Canadian assimilation programs levied against First Nations peoples. This video centres on the treaty Scott negotiated with the Cree and Ojibway Aboriginals of Northwestern Ontario. Historical information is balanced with powerful contemporary footage, offering insight into the long-term impact of these policies on aboriginal peoples. Teachers using this video should clearly identify segments that are narrations of Scott's work, as they reflect the ideology of that era.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: Canadian Studies; English Language Arts 30; Native Studies: Grade 10
First Nations of the Plains: Creative, Adaptable, Enduring (Print-Non-Fiction). Friesen, John W. Detselig Enterprises Ltd. (TEMB), 1999. 310 p. ISBN 1-55059-195-9 ($29.95 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) The story of aboriginal peoples from the plains of North America since European contact is detailed in this work. The impact of the cultural clash as well as the atrocities are documented. A major component of the book discusses how the Plains peoples have survived and endured in the face of discrimination, disease and forced migration. Black-and-white photographs are used to illustrate key sections. An index is included.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: Canadian Studies; Native Studies: Grade 10
From Our Mothers' Arms: The Intergenerational Impact of Residential Schools in Saskatchewan (Print-Non-Fiction). Deiter, Constance. United Church Publishing House (LRDC), 1999. 100 p. Order no. 2686 ($15.80 pbk.).
(I/M, SK) A legacy has been left to First Nations communities-one of struggle and survival. This book unveils the stories of women and men, across the generations, who attended residential schools in Saskatchewan. Personal interviews and moving reflections expose the intergenerational impact these schools had on First Nations people and their communities.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: Canadian Studies; English Language Arts 20; Native Studies: Grade 10
Gabriel Dumont in Paris: A Novel History (Print-Fiction). Zinovich, Jordan. (Currents Series). University of Alberta Press (RAI), 1999. 186 p. ISBN 0-88864-321-7 ($16.95 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Blending fact and fiction, prose and poetry, the author reconstructs one of history's most charismatic, yet enigmatic, figures. The events leading up to the Northwest Rebellion through the eyes of Dumont and those who surround him are told in an entertaining manner. Teachers may wish to use this collection of invented personal accounts as material for short monologues or as a support resource for specific themes.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development
Other Use: Canadian Studies; English Language Arts 30
Gatherings Volume X: A Retrospective of the First Decade (Print-Anthology). Young-Ing, Greg and Belmore, Florene, eds. (The En'owkin Journal of First North American Peoples Series). Theytus Books Ltd. (LRDC), 1999. 304 p. Order no. 4319 ($9.90 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) This book is one of a continuing series that presents First Nations prose and poetry about varied topics. This 10th anniversary volume celebrates the first decade of Gatherings with a selection of some of the most pertinent writing published throughout the first nine volumes. The ceremonies, literature, stories, songs, dances and cultural traditions of aboriginal peoples are encompassed within the anthology.
Please note that some of the selections contain sensitive language or situations.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30; Native Studies: Grade 10
Gatherings Volume XI: Flight Scape: A Multi-Directional Collection of Indigenous Creative Works (Print-Anthology). Belmore, Florene, ed. (The En'owkin Journal of First North American Peoples Series). Theytus Books Ltd. (LRDC), 1999. 304 p. Order no. 4334 ($9.90 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) This book is one of a continuing series that presents First Nations prose and poetry about varied topics. This compilation includes poetry and short stories that deal with issues such as racism, residential schools, drugs and alcoholism. These poignant tales nurture an understanding of the problems and challenges faced by Inuit Peoples and are authentic, current and very readable.
Please note that some of the selections contain sensitive language or situations. Teachers are reminded to ensure that the selections they choose match the objectives of the themes and issues at each particular grade level.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30; Native Studies: Grade 10
Honour of the Crown (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 2001. 48 min. Order no. C9010 024 ($39.95).
(CAN, I/M) This video provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the 100-year-old struggle of the Smith's Landing First Nation of Alberta attempting to settle a land claim with the federal government.
Suggested Use: Unit 2: Development
Other Use: Canadian Studies; Native Studies: Grade 10
I Knew Two Métis Women: The Lives of Dorothy Scofield and Georgina Houle Young (Print-Anthology). Scofield, Gregory. Polestar Press Ltd. (RAI), 1999. 139 p. ISBN 1-896095-96-8 ($16.95 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Gregory Scofield, a Métis writer based in B.C., has brought his history to life in this autobiographical collection of poetry that memorializes his mother, Dorothy Scofield, and his aunt, Georgina Houle Young. The pieces range from difficult and sensitive subject matter to humourous selections. The author uses country and western song lyrics to frame some of the poems that mirror his mother's and his aunt's daily struggle to survive and to honour their memory.
Note: Teachers are advised that some selections deal with gritty reality and sensitive issues.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: English Language Arts 20; Native Studies: Grade 10
Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children (Print-Non-Fiction). Caduto, Michael J. and Bruchac, Joseph. Fifth House Publishers (FHW), 1999. 209 p. ISBN 1-894004-38-8 ($24.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This resource was originally published in 1988, and it is now available in paperback. It encourages understanding and learning of North American Aboriginal and Inuit cultures through a variety of activities that include the themes of creation, fire, earth, wind and sky. Each activity section indicates concepts, goals, age level, procedure and an appropriate indoor or outdoor location. Twenty-one legends with suggestions for discussion also make this a useful resource for the listening and speaking strands of English language arts. Black-and-white photographs and illustrations enhance the text. A table of contents, glossary and index are included.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; Native Studies: Grade 10; Science: Elementary Level; Science: Middle Level; Social Studies: Elementary Level
Lacrosse: The Creator's Game (Video). Magic Lantern Communications Ltd. (MGR), 1994. 25 min. Dup. order no. V547.
(CAN, I/M) This program is a documentary on lacrosse, the oldest organized team sport in North America, played by aboriginal peoples before Columbus came to America. It explores the history of lacrosse and its spiritual significance to Canadian aboriginals, their generosity in sharing lacrosse with non-aboriginals, and the period during which they were excluded from playing lacrosse on the professional circuit. Interviews with modern lacrosse players and aboriginal leaders are interwoven with archival footage and photographs of the aboriginal teams that played in England for Queen Victoria. It features the Powless family, a Mohawk family renowned in the world of lacrosse, and Jay Silverheels, who played Tonto on The Lone Ranger. "Silverheels" gained his nickname from his prowess as a star on the lacrosse field.
Suggested Use: Introduction
Other Use: Native Studies: Grade 10; Physical Education: Grades 6 to 9
Pauline Johnson: First Aboriginal Voice of Canada (Print-Non-Fiction). Keller, Betty. (The Quest Library Series). XYZ Publishing (LRDC), 1999. 173 p. Order no. 588 ($14.85 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Her mother was English, her father a Mohawk chief. Pauline Johnson overcame many obstacles to follow her dream of having a career as a writer and performer. She wrote popular articles for newspapers and magazines and published collections of her prose and poems. This easily-read resource provides rare insights into Johnson's private life. It shows her to be a remarkably independent woman for her time, determined to be known as an "Aboriginal," and supporting herself by telling the stories of her beloved Canada.
Suggested Use: Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: English Language Arts 30
Rocks at Whiskey Trench (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 2000. 106 min. Order no. C9100 062 ($39.95).
During the 1990 Oka crisis, a convoy of cars left the Kahnawake reserve, taking women and children to safety. Rather than safety, they ran into a mob of racists, hurling stones and abuse. This incident clearly defined the problems facing aboriginal people in Canada and the difficult road ahead. The events at Oka and the tradedgy of Whiskey Trench have become a defining moment in the relations between First Nations and Canadians. The video attempts to heal the wounds of racism and points towards a more positive future.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: Canadian Studies; Native Studies: Grade 10
Shared Visions: The Art of Storytelling (Video). Storytellers Productions Ltd. (FW), 1999. 24 min. No order number is required. ($195.00).
(CAN, I/M) Shared Visions features interviews with artist and shaman Norval Morrisseau, Canada's best known aboriginal actress Tantoo Cardinal, and the writers, producers and animators from Bardel Animation and Bioware Active Media. It explores the creative vision, talents and the process that came together in the evolution of the animated and live-action aboriginal special Stories From the Seventh Fire.
Suggested Use: Introduction
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; English Language Arts 20; Native Studies: Grade 10
Stories From Kohkom: Sharing Our Values, Teaching Our Young. Rev. ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). READ Saskatoon (RSN), 2000. 140 p. ISBN 0-9699746-0-4 ($20.00 pbk.).
(I/M, SK) These are the stories of the participants in the Older Native Women's Health Project, a Saskatoon Community Clinic program. The stories are published in English, Cree Roman orthography and Cree Syllabic orthography. This second edition features revised translations of invaluable stories that help to communicate the culture and lives of aboriginal kohkoms. This book provides a rare chance to read stories that have previously only been shared orally.
Suggested Use: Introduction
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; Native Studies: Grade 10
Through Aboriginal Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children (Print-Non-Fiction). Slapin, Beverly and Seale, Doris, eds. (Contemporary American Aboriginal Issues Series). UCLA American Aboriginal Studies (LRDC), 1998. 246 p. Order no. 5871 ($29.15 pbk.).
(I/M) This book is a collection of articles that explore the impact of stereotyping in "children's books about Aboriginals." Poetry, art and stories by aboriginal peoples accompany the essays. The heart of this volume, however, is the section that includes reviews of children's and young adult books, most of which were published from the 1950s to the late 1980s. Teachers reading this section will want to revisit their collections, and re-evaluate the books that are on the shelf. The book also contains a section entitled "How to Tell the Difference." This section contains valuable information about what to look for when evaluating or choosing books about aboriginal peoples. The guidance in this book is excellent, and very necessary for teachers, librarians and parents who want to include exemplary literature containing aboriginal content in their collections.
Please note that because this is a republication, some dated items have been deleted and updates have been made to the resource section, bibliography and contributors notes.
Suggested Use: Introduction; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
To Colonize a People: The File Hills Aboriginal Farm Colony (Video). Blue Thunderbird Productions (BLT), 2000. 60 min. No order number is required. ($150.00).
(CAN, I/M) This video profiles William Graham, the Aboriginal Agent for File Hills, and how he used his experimental farm colony as a social experiment to assimilate the Cree. The demoralizing impact this experiment has had is also discussed. The video provides a good study of how aboriginal people were dealt with by the Canadian government in the late 1800s.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: Canadian Studies; Native Studies: Grade 10
Wounded Knee. 1st ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Waldman, Neil. Atheneum Pubs. (DIS), 2001. 54 p. ISBN 0-689-82559-5 ($26.50 hdc.).
(I/M) Although this book deals with a historical event that occurred in the United States, the events that occurred at Wounded Knee in 1890 have come to symbolize the misunderstanding, violence and racism that the Aboriginal people faced in all the Americas. Beautifully written and illustrated, the book begins with the events of the massacre that saw over 140 Lakota people killed by the army. The roots of this conflict are then traced from the time of Columbus to the reservations of the late 1800s. The current struggles of the Lakota are discussed in an epilogue. An index is included.
Suggested Use: Unit 1: Self-Determination and Self-Government; Unit 2: Development; Unit 3: Social Justice
Other Use: Native Studies: Grade 10; Social Studies: Grades 7-9