!!!!!!! "#$%! The Voice of Our People: Cultural Awareness from a First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Worldview Pg 1 64 Cedar Pointe Dr. Unit 1405, BARRIE, ON L4N 5R7 August 2014 Wanaboozhoo, Tansi, Oodlakud, Greetings, On behalf of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC) and community partners, we are most pleased to present this locally developed DVD resource, The Voice of Our People: Cultural Awareness from a First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Worldview - as a way to help fill an identified need within the Simcoe, Muskoka and York region. The DVD resource was developed with financial support provided by Georgian College, School of Aboriginal Studies; Student Support Leadership Project; Best Start Network of Simcoe County and the Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integrated Network. The DVD consists of interviews with Elders and Senators from First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities who share their experiences and wisdom passed from one generation to the next as part of our oral tradition. The DVD complements the 4 day cross-cultural awareness training Cultural Awareness from a First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Worldview with over 1,000 First Nation, Métis, Inuit and mainstream educators, service providers, community members, and youth taking part in various training sessions to date. The DVD can be used as part of the training module or viewed independently to help increase access to authentic voices and stories. This Viewing Guide was developed to help facilitate discussion as we work together to deepen the understanding about historical events that continue to impact our families and communities because… “To understand Aboriginal issues, it’s necessary to understand and appreciate that all contemporary events have their roots in history.” Shared Learnings: Integrating BC Aboriginal Content (K –10) And, as we continue our collaborative efforts it is also important to note that culture means different things to different people, communities and Nations – all viewed with respect. The strength, wisdom and sense of community built into our cultures have contributed to the resiliency of our people for hundreds of years and continues to do so for many on the “good life” road. As a symbol of strength, unity and healing – sweetgrass was selected for the cover design to represent First Nation, Métis and Inuit people on a collective journey in the promotion of cultural awareness. We are most pleased to begin distribution of The Voice of Our People: Cultural Awareness from a First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Worldview kit that includes the DVD, Viewing Guide, poster and Evaluation Form. For your convenience, this resource is also available online at: http://banac.org/video.html The Voice of Our People: Cultural Awareness from a First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Worldview Pg 2 Please feel free to copy the Viewing Guide and Evaluation Form (on page 29) as required for personal, group or classroom use. The DVD interviews and Viewing Guide each have a specific focus that complements the Cross Cultural Awareness Training (CCAT) modules presented in four parts as follows: Part 1 Creation: In the Beginning Part 2 Contact Part 3 Confusion Part 4 Healing of a Nation It is our hope that our voices and our stories will be beneficial to your personal and professional understanding. First Nation, Métis, and Inuit youth represent the fastest growing demographic in Canada. First Nation, Métis, and Inuit families and communities continue to experience what is often referred to as Third World conditions. The resources were developed in the spirit of kindness as we continue to work collaboratively to deepen our understanding and move beyond long held misconceptions about First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people because - healing of a nation begins with you and me. At this time, we would like to acknowledge the wisdom and insight provided by the participating Elders and Senators. Their kindness reminds us about the significance of their role in helping us learn about the past – to better understand the present – as we plan for the future: Gertie Beaucage – Zhaawanobinaissikwe, Bear Clan, 3rd Degree Midewiwin, Nipissing First Nation, Ontario Jean Aquash – Elder, Walpole Island, Ontario Hector Copegog – Medweoshi, Waubzheshi Dodem, 4th Degree Midewiwin Beausoleil First Nation, Ontario Kevin Deer – Ka’nahsohon, Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, Quebec Rhoda Akittiq Innuksuk – Inuit Elder, Ottawa, Ontario (currently residing in Igloolik, Nunavut) Dr. Ed Connors – Mohawk Elder, Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, Quebec Dora MacInnis – Métis Senator, Midland, Ontario Ruth Wagner – Métis Senator, Bracebridge, Ontario We would also like to acknowledge the role of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle and community partners for invaluable contributions in the development of cultural awareness resources beginning with our consultation phase. Special thanks to Linda McGregor, B. Ed., M.A. (2014) Manager of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education (K-12) with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board for the development of the Viewing Guide, and to all who offered thoughtful suggestions as we worked toward a final product. In closing, your comments, questions and suggestions continue to be an important part of this process as we measure the effectiveness of this tool and continue to develop new resources. Upon viewing the DVD it would be most appreciated if you would complete the Evaluation Form on page 29 of this guide and forward to: [email protected] Miigwech, Kinasskoumitin, Qujannamiik, Thank you! The Voice of Our People: Cultural Awareness from a First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Worldview Pg 3 Table of Contents Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………...6 Background As We Begin………………………………………………………………………..7 About the Cover Design……………………………………………………….........7 About Terminology………………………………………………………………... 7 About the Use of English Language…….…………………………………………..7 Introduction About this Resource…………………………………………………………………8 Who should use this Resource………………………………………………………8 How to use this Resource……………………………………………………………9 An Important Viewing / Closing Activity Consideration…………………………...9 It’s not what you don’t know – it’s what you want to learn……………………….. 9 Moving Forward / Disclaimer…………………………………………………….... 9 Part 1: Creation ~ In the Beginning (8:01 minutes) Overview / Learning Objectives…………………………………………………….10 Elders and Senators Featured…………………………………………………….....10 Viewing the DVD – Before, During and After……………………………………..10 Viewing Guide Script – Fill in the Blanks………………………………………….11 - 13 Questions for Consideration / Reflection…………………………………………...13 The Voice of Our People: Cultural Awareness from a First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Worldview Pg 4 Part 2: Contact (13:10 minutes) Overview / Learning Objectives…………………………………………………… 14 Elders and Senators Featured……………………………………………………… 14 Viewing the DVD – Before, During and After……………………………………. 14 Viewing Guide Script – Fill in the Blanks………………………………………… 15 - 17 Questions for Consideration / Reflection…………………………………………. 17 Part 3: Confusion (9:57 minutes) Overview / Learning Objectives…………………………………………………... 18 Elders and Senators Featured……………………………………………………… 18 Viewing the DVD – Before, During and After……………………………………. 18 Viewing Guide Script – Fill in the Blanks………………………………………… 19 - 21 Questions for Consideration / Reflection………………………………………….. 21 Part 4: Healing of a Nation (10:09) Overview / Learning Objectives…………………………………………………… 22 Elders and Senators Featured……………………………………………………… 22 Viewing the DVD – Before, During and After……………………………………. 22 Viewing Guide Script – Fill in the Blanks………………………………………… 23 - 25 Questions for Consideration / Reflection………………………………………….. 25 Answer Sheet: Fill in the Blanks………………………………..……………………….. 26 Recommended Reading and Websites……………...…………………………………… 27 - 28 Evaluation Form………………………………………………………………………….. 29 The Voice of Our People: Cultural Awareness from a First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Worldview Pg 5 Acknowledgements The need for cultural awareness resources and training in the Simcoe, Muskoka and York region had been identified by First Nation, Métis, and Inuit as well as mainstream service providers for some time. To help fill this gap, the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle facilitated an extensive consultation with partners to identify key issues, information required and types of resources that would be most beneficial. To date, our collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of Cross Cultural Awareness Training Modules, the Culture Card and now, The Voice of Our People DVD and Viewing Guide. Throughout the process, community has been integral and we would like to acknowledge and thank community members, families, and students for their contributions as well as the following: • Aboriginal Capacity Building Circle • Anishnaabe Education and Training Circle • Barrie Native Friendship Centre • Beausoleil First Nation • Best Start Network of Simcoe County • Biiminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle • Child, Youth and Family Services Coalition of Simcoe County • Chippewas of Rama First Nation • County of Simcoe • Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre • First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Advisory Circle • Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre • Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association • Georgian College • Métis Nation of Ontario • North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integrated Network • Orillia Native Women’s Group • Simcoe County Children’s Aid – First Nation, Métis and Inuit Team • Simcoe County District School Board • Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board