a social justice program of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation

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Project Profile

Project Title:
Celebrating the Survivors
Initiative:
Literacy in Action - Listen, I Read
School Name:
ÉSC Jean-Vanier
School board / First Nations school jurisdiction:
Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud
Project Theme:
  • Connect [relationships]
  • Thrive [health & wellness]
  • Lead [leadership]
Grade Level:
12
Subject Areas:
Aboriginal Studies, English
City:
Welland
Province/Territory:
Ontario
Community Partners:
-École secondaire catholique Jean-Vanier;
-Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre;
-Niagara Regional Native Centre;
-Métis Nation of Ontario, Welland.

School Contact: Claudia Patenaude-Daniels
Community Contact: Gary Parker

Celebrating the Survivors

LISTEN, I READ
BOOK: INDIAN HORSE
AUTHOR: RICHARD WAGAMESE

Students will examine the true legacy of the residential school system in Canada. The horrific impact of residential schools can still be felt today in our communities, and it is important for young people to comprehend the pain and the hurt survivors of this system often passed on to their own children. Because many former students have emerged so damaged by the abuse they witnessed and experienced, they were unable to raise their own children in a healthy way. What is the impact still today? How have these issues been passed on to future generations? Let's explore and begin to understand...and CELEBRATE THE SURVIVORS!

Update (March 22, 2013)

Our books have arrived! Our class has jumped right into reading Richard Wagamese's "Indian Horse", all the while researching and gathering information and testimonies of Residential School Survivors and their stories. We are currently assembling a visual presentation of portraits of First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals from across Canada and the United States as part of our commitment to document the legacy of our Survivors... More to come!