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When We Were Alone

Elementary

Description

Like any young child, Nósisim has many questions for her grandmother.  She wonders why Nókom dresses so brightly, wears her hair so long and always speaks in Cree.  As her grandmother explains that there once was a time that she was not allowed to do any of these things, the young indigenous girl learns an important lesson about the freedoms that were taken away in Canada's Residential School system.  Yet, despite always feeling alone, Nókom and her friends were able to secretly remain true to themselves and never forgot their homes or families.  This beautiful, poetic book delivers a powerful message to young children about triumph over injustice and celebrating all that makes each individual special.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book supports Social Studies and Indigenous Studies curriculum about Canada's Residential School system. Young students will become more aware of the overwhelming loneliness that faced First Nations children as they were taken away from their families and communities.  

The positive message of valuing your identity could be used to motivate students to write letters about overcoming their own struggles with inequality, loneliness or discrimination. These letters could become a feature wall in the school that encourages empathy and respect for yourself and others.

 

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        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Learning about indigenous peoples nurtures multicultural awareness and respect for diversity.
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Themes Addressed

Human Rights (2)

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Social Justice

Indigenous Knowledge (1)

  • Rituals, Spirituality and Worldviews

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