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As Long as the Rivers Flow

Elementary, Middle

Description

Ten year old Lawrence spends the summer with his Cree family collecting the bounties of nature, experiencing traditional customs and learning the wisdom of the elders. However, he soon realizes that his life will never be the same as he is forced into the residential school system. Beautiful sensory imagery guides readers through the author's personal connections to the land and his people, while teaching students that they must speak out against any injustice that tries to destroy generations of cultural identity.

Click here for more information regarding the author's books, school visits, or teaching resources.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book is extremely timely and relevant in Canada's current political climate and supports Aboriginal Studies lessons and Social Studies content examining prejudice and stereotypes. Many schools are already using Gord Downie's “The Secret Path” as a teaching resource and this book would make an ideal accompaniment to discussions about the life and death of Chanie Wenjack.

An innovative classroom project could invite First Nations community members to a “Sharing Circle” where students and staff describe their cultural identity and customs. This event could then become the basis of a school music video that features traditional drumming and student composed lyrics promoting diversity and acceptance.

 

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      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Canadian Issues and Governance: Canada’s policies and treatment of minority peoples have negative and positive legacies
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Issues and Governance: Economic self-interest can be a significant cause of conflict among peoples and governments.
        • Global Issues and Governance: Systems of government vary in their respect for human rights and freedoms.

Themes Addressed

Human Rights (1)

  • Cultural Diversity

Indigenous Knowledge (2)

  • Rituals, Spirituality and Worldviews
  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

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