Finding Focus: Framing Canadian Métis and First Nations on Film
A Resource Guide for High School Educators
Published by Winnipeg Film Group
Written by Kevin Nikkel, Edited by Monica Lowe
ISBN 978-1-926665-04-7
80 pages, Full Colour, includes DVD
Published in 2014
Finding Focus is a resource guide and DVD designed to help High School educators utilize the wealth of creative short films made by talented independent filmmakers in Manitoba and across Canada that focus on Métis and First Nations issues and subject matters. It is our hope that this book and these films, which are about diverse subject matters and are made in a wide range of genres and styles, will assist both teachers and students.
In addition we hope that teachers will be motivated to use the visual medium of film in more of their lessons and that students may be inspired to make their own films in order to express their thoughts and share their message with others.
This book features 15 chapters, each focusing on a short film 30 minutes or less, dealing with Métis and First Nations issues. Topics for discussion are included in Before Viewing, During Viewing and After Viewing sections with a focus on established Curriculum Connections.
The films touch on a variety of subjects including:
- Métis and First Nations identity
- the environment
- Indigenous representation in popular culture
- adoption and the Sixties Scoop
- the legacy of the residential school system
We recommend the films and resources to be used with the following high school courses:
- English Language Arts: Grade 10-12
- Social Studies: Grade 12, Current Topics in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies
- Social Studies: Grade 11, History of Canada
- Aboriginal Education: Grade 10-12, Aboriginal Languages and Cultures
- Social Studies: Grade 12, Cinema as a Witness to Modern History
Enclosed with the guide is a DVD containing all 15 films, over 2.5 hours of material!
All images and maps in the book are available to download here!
Bulk pricing available for large orders. Please contact us!
Shipping:
1-4 books = $6 per book
5 or more books = free shipping! (please contact us directly for the discount)
To order via phone or PO or for more information on this resource guide please contact Monica Lowe, Deputy Director:
monica@winnipegfilmgroup.com
Phone: 204-925-3456 x 103
Fax: 204-942-6799
Correction: On page 46 the language in Alice and Kevin is Oji-Cree, not Cree. Our sincere apologies for the error.
Apology: We acknowledge that some of our language and practices surrounding this 2014 resource were not best practice. We apologize and will continue to educate ourselves, to listen, to seek out Indigenous partnerships and knowledge, and to learn from our missteps.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, which last year invested $157 million to bring the arts to Canadians throughout the country.
Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien. L’an dernier, le Conseil a investi 157 millions de dollars pour mettre de l’art dans la vie des Canadiennes et des Canadiens de tout le pays.
