Research one of the following topics and teach it to your peers. Create an activity (something students have to Do) that will help them to better understand your topic. Creative activities that keep students engaged in what they are learning will be more highly rewarded than quizzes and Kahoot games. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get students talking about your topic - in the same manner we've done while reading the novel. Teach us! Don't just present to us. You do not need a PowerPoint. I will happily print-off handouts or other materials if you ask me BEFORE the day of the presentation.
I am not grading this on length but I would expect each topic to take about 20 minutes. I will cut you off after 30 min.
Please see the attached grading rubric for more details.
(Michael and Anna) The Author: Richard Wagamese. What do we need to know about the author in order to better understand the story, and Saul's experiences? Why did he choose to write this story?
(Jacky C. and Ken) Residential Schools: What were they? What was their purpose? Why were First Nations People opposed to residential schools? What happened to the residential schools? What has been the legacy of residential schools?
(Jay and Dongju) Racism in Canada during the 1960s. Canada is often viewed as not struggling from the same racial issues that plunged the United States into cultural turmoil during this time period - but that is a false narrative. What is the truth? What were some of the racial policies towards First Nations People in Canada during this time? How have things improved? What are our current struggles?
(Mia, Katie, and Doris) The Indian Act (1876) : What were some of the most detrimental restrictions it put on First Nations People? In what ways did it work to undermine Native cultures and reinforce white cultural supremacy in Canada?
(Sofia) The Ojibwe people between the 17th and 19th centuries. What changes were happening to them socially and culturally? What was driving this change? How did they live before colonization became widespread (economy, diet, laws, etc.)? What were the boarders of their territory (show us a map)?
(Jacky J. and Kit) The Spirituality of the Ojibwe people. What did they believe? How did they practice or demonstrate these beliefs?
“Gdi yawn qwa izhinamowin – You have the gift, you have the vision.”
The delicious other-world that hockey provides gives Saul safety from the daily realities of Residential School:
“The rink became my escape, the ice my obsession, the game my survival.”
Creative Assignment:
Choose one of the following assignments:
Create a timeline with a minimum of 10 events outlining the key moments in Saul's life; from the beginning to the end of the novel. Each point on the timeline should include a picture (drawn or sourced) that adequately depicts the key moment. On a separate piece of paper include a one - two sentence rational for why you choose each of your ten points.
Write a letter from Virgil to Saul from the time of his long absence; after he'd driven off in his truck to find work all around Canada. Consider what Virgil might be thinking / feeling about Saul's behaviour and choices.
Create an 8 panel graphic novel or comic book out of one scene from story. Each panel must demonstrate artistic skill, and be drawn by hand. Include dialogue or thought bubbles for each character taken directly from the text.
Write one more chapter, in Saul's voice, describing what happens next in his life. This chapter should be a minimum of two double-spaced, typed, pages and should follow a story structure; having a rising action and climactic moment.
Choose one of the following topics and write a well developed, five-paragraph essay; with a clear thesis statement, topic sentences, and examples from the text.
Examine the complicated relationship between indigenous people and the Zhaunagush (white man) over the three generations of Saul's family: grandparents, parents, and Saul himself.
Discuss the racism in the novel. What forms does this racism take and what effect does it have on Saul directly?
What does the horse in this novel symbolize, and why is an apt symbol for Saul himself?
What is the symbolic importance of God's Lake, not only to Saul and his family, but to the history, traditions, and culture of his people?
How is the novel, Indian Horse, a metaphor for Canada; and how could all Canadians benefit from reading this novel?