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Thirst

Secondary

Description

This is a probing documentary into the deplorable conditions of drinking water in northern Ontario First Nations communities. Over 200 First Nations communities in Canada have unclean, unsafe drinking water. The reasons for this on-going tragedy are effectively explored in the film.

A guide to accompany the film has been designed to help teachers and students enrich their experience of documentary film by providing support in the form of questions and activities.

 

General Assessment

What skills does this resource explicitly teach?

The video presents a strong indictment of those responsible for the availability of water on First Nations reserves. Students may measure the validity of this indictment by engaging those skills associated with determining whether a given presentation is balanced and fair. 

Strengths

The issue of clean water on First Nations reserves and the reaction of the Federal government to the perceived crisis is currently very much in the news. The video helps to raise student awareness of the topic and may serve as an introduction to the issue and encourage further study.

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The Truth and Reconciliation Report has resulted in changes to provincial curricula that give greater attention to First Nations issues and the perspective of Indigenous peoples. The video, Thirst, will help teachers who are looking for resources to carry out this mandate. 

The video should be the beginning of a larger study focusing on the issue of clean water and other challenges faced by First Nations reserves.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples - New Media: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world
        • English First Peoples- New Media: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
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        • English First Peoples-Writing: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
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        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + Writing: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies +New Media: First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
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        • Explorations in Social Studies 11: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
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        • English First Peoples 12: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples 12: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples 12:First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Persons 12: First Peoples voices and texts play a role within the process of Reconciliation.
        • English Studies 12 The examination of First Peoples cultures and lived experiences through text builds understanding of Canadians’ responsibilities in relation to Reconciliation.
        • Spoken language 12: Language shapes ideas and influences others.
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        • B.C. First Peoples: The impact of contact and colonialism continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of B.C. First Peoples
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        • Human Geography 12: Human activities alter landscapes in a variety of ways.
        • Political Studies: Decision making in a democratic system of government is influenced by the distribution of political and social power.
        • Social Justice: Social justice initiatives can transform individuals and systems
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        • Equity and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice (Univ./College Prep.) Addressing Equity and Social Justice Issues
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        • Interdependence: Atlantic Canada in the Global Community: Citizenship in the Global Community
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        • Canadian Studies 401A: Canada as a Democracy
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        • Media Arts 10: Traditions, perspectives, worldviews, and stories can be shared through media arts.
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        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: First Peoples texts play a role within the process of Reconciliation.
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples - New Media: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world
        • English First Peoples- New Media: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples-Writing: First Peoples texts play a role within the process of Reconciliation
        • English First Peoples-Writing: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present: Historical and contemporary injustices challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 11: Media arts reflect the interconnectedness of the individual, community, history, and society.
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + New Media: First Peoples literature plays a role within the process of Reconciliation
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + New Media: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + Writing: First Peoples literature plays a role within the process of Reconciliation
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + Writing: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies +New Media: First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explorations in Social Studies 11: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 12: Media arts are an essential element of culture and reveal insights into the human experience
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + Writing: First Peoples literature plays a role within the process of Reconciliation
        • English First Peoples 12: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples 12: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples 12:First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Persons 12: First Peoples voices and texts play a role within the process of Reconciliation.
        • English Studies 12 The examination of First Peoples cultures and lived experiences through text builds understanding of Canadians’ responsibilities in relation to Reconciliation.
        • Spoken language 12: Language shapes ideas and influences others.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • B.C. First Peoples: The impact of contact and colonialism continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of B.C. First Peoples
        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: Indigenous peoples continue to advocate and assert rights to self-determination
        • Human Geography 12: Human activities alter landscapes in a variety of ways.
        • Political Studies: Decision making in a democratic system of government is influenced by the distribution of political and social power.
        • Social Justice: Social justice initiatives can transform individuals and systems

Themes Addressed

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Environmental Contaminants & Health Hazards

Human Rights (2)

  • Environmental Racism/Justice
  • Social Justice

Water (2)

  • Water Quality
  • Water Treatment and Distribution