Before we can explore Identity, we need to learn about how Identity was taken, stolen, and lost. As part of my professional development this year in school I wanted to find a way to connect with my students in a way that would be engaging for them but also authentic to Indigenous culture and tradition while at the same time amplifying Indigenous voices. I came across a Graphic Novel called This Place which explores the last 150 years of Canadian History retold by Indigenous writers and comics artists.
There are 10 stories throughout the novel, each one telling the story of the true, painful history that Canada has been so quick to hide and silence. The stories talk about Residential Schools, The 60’s scoop, land and water rights and highlights Indigenous people throughout history. It’s been one of the most incredible novels I have read to my class.
Watch below for the Book Trailer or Click HERE to read an excerpt.
Wow, the trailer is very catchy. As a mom of teens, I know how youth are captured by graphics and animations; generally speaking, such a production can motivate kids to read about history. I highly appreciate that the author highlighted the age group as I believe that some of younger ages might not be mature enough to read about residential schools. I will definitely share this with my daughters. Thanks Sasha for sharing this authentic production.
Hi Marwa, can I ask why you think some of the younger ages might not be mature enough to read about residential schools?
Hi sasha, indeed, we cannot generalize. My younger daughter (14 years) had some variant emotional reaction about the children’s death (that was when she was in grade 4) than my old daughter and even other kids in her classroom. She ran out of the classroom and it took her a while to express her fears about the “death of children” with her teacher. This is her nature I have to say as she had fears while watching “Terry Fox” documentary for the first time. These fears and reactions have reduced over time as she grew. Now as teenager, she and her older sister recall what they learned about residential school at a younger age and share what they are currently learning. I find her more capable of managing her emotions and more mature that she is even aware of the thoughts that led to her emotional reactions while she was younger.