Citizenship in the Outside Circle

In the graphic novel The Outside Circle, by Patti LaBoucane-Benson and art by Kelly Mellings, Pete and his younger brother Joey demonstrate some of the ways citizenship has changed (or is in the process of changing) in Canada since Confederation.  Pete and Joey are First Nations, and feel as though they have little power in their own lives or communities.  In large part this may be caused by epigenetic inheritance which suggests that significant stress or trauma suffered in one generation, may be passed down to the next generation (mostly studied in next generation holocaust survivors).

This image (left) from the novel shows the historical cultural baggage that impacts Pete as he tries to live his life.  Many of the things on his arm represent events or issues that make it difficult or impossible for Pete to participate in Canadian society in a way that makes him a positive citizen.

Because of the way First Nations have been treated and disempowered by the government through things like the Indian Act (1867) and residential schools (approximately 1880 - 1996) First Nations people often don’t feel like they have a place in Canadian society.  The government worked toward a cultural genocide which left natives without a place in any society.  

In the graphic novel Pete becomes a more positive citizen as he learns more about his cultural past and understand why he has been disempowered.  As he learns about his past, and understands how his life has been impacted by the  experiences of his parents and cultural community, he can better understand his role in society.  One of the most significant factors that affects Pete’s desire to be a more positive citizen is his love for his brother and his wish to keep him from following in his footsteps.

The elements of citizenship that I think Pete develops in the novel are highlighted below in blue.  In yellow, I’ve highlighted some the elements that others in the novel demonstrate that had a positive impact on Pete in his journey to becoming a more positive citizen.

Going back to the initial question: How is citizenship different in 2016 than it was is 1867? These changes in Pete reflect the changes in the idea of citizenship. In Canada citizenship is much more inclusive in 2016 than it was in 1867. First Nations were not even considered Canadian citizens until 1956 when the Canadian Citizenship Act was amended.

NFB Virtual Classroom

NFB Virtual Classroom is a wonderful tool for bringing guest speakers into your library/classroom.
As long as you have an NFB Campus account the world of the NFB is at your fingertips...  including access to Virtual Classroom events.

• N.B.  Originally you had to have an access code from your school board to create your NFB Campus account...  but I think that may have changed sometime last year (I haven't checked to update my notes to teachers for Sept yet!!).
• Go to NFB Campus and see if you can register.  If not, talk to your Board Media Resources folks.

The NFB Virtual Classroom is a great tool for connecting your students with great "guest" speakers.  I've previously enrolled in Virtual Classroom events featuring David Suzuki, Chris Hadfield and Hayley Wickenhauser (it was on concussions in sport...  brilliant!).

This morning I have received notification of a Virtual Classroom event with Naomi Klein, based on her award winning book (and documentary) This Changes Everything.

• This event will take place on September 28th, 2016 from 11am until noon.
• At present this event is only open for registration to schools which have previously engaged in the Virtual Classroom.
• BUT...  when you create your NFB Campus account select to receive updates and you will get notification when the event become available for general registration.
• MOST IMPORTANT:  These - free! - events "sell out" ridiculously fast.  If you think you are interested, register as soon as you receive the notification.  Sort out the logistical details after you've registered.

Details regarding the Naomi Klein event:

The NFB and the Humber College Office of Sustainability present a Virtual Lecture by Canadian thought leader Naomi Klein. In a FREE 60-minute presentation entitled “Capitalism vs. the Climate,” Klein challenges us to seize the existential crisis created by climate change and transform our failed system. In this lecture based on her recent book and documentary, This Changes Everything, Klein tackles the most profound threat humanity has ever faced: the war our economic model is waging against life on earth. It’s her most provocative talk yet and an unmissable opportunity to learn directly from a Canadian icon. The NFB’s extensive collection of films on the environment offers students diverse perspectives on the debate around climate change, so that they can weigh in during the Virtual Lecture via social media. It’s an urgent conversation.

Subjects:

• Civics/Citizenship
• Science
• Social Studies

Audience:

• Students between the ages of 15 and None

Need any more info or assistance...  e-mail me: enid.wray@tdsb.on.ca

The Most Magnificent Thing

The Most Magnificent Thing - by Ashley Spires

Story books are for lifelong learning. The best ones deal with the same universal themes as the greatest pieces of literature; the delivery may be different, but the messages are very much the same. Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss is about being true to your word, and making judgements based on appearances. The same themes are examined in texts as diverse as Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, and Tolstoy's Anna Karenina.

The introduction of a great book (picture or otherwise) into a course for which literature isn't a focus always feels like a small victory for me. Perhaps it's my history as an English teacher; I love a metaphor.  I am always on the lookout for new and different ways of looking at and understanding situations. Picture books, films, music, theatre, and various forms of art provide unique perspectives on familiar themes and concepts.

The Most Magnificent Thing is no exception - it deals with the idea of creation, failure and success. It addresses attitude, imagination and collaboration. It explores the inquiry process in all of its messiness. The little girl struggles with her creative vision. She is unsuccessful more than once, bur she finds the grit necessary to follow her project through to completion. Like the inquiry wheel on the left, there are many entry points the creation of The Most Magnificent Thing. The lessons learned in the story transfer beautifully to the Canadian World Studies classroom, Learning Commons and Makerspace.

What are we going to do with all of these great resources?

Here are our ideas for getting started with TVO, TeachOntario and Historica:

Why is Bilbo Baggins a model citizen?

Why is Bilbo Baggins a model citizen?  If push comes to shove and we really do end up in some sort of alien takeover zombie apocalypse, I hope there's someone just like Bilbo Baggins nearby.  In my mind he has three exceptional qualities that make him a great citizen.

Firstly, Bilbo is extremely humble because he understands his own limitations as a hobbit.  He has serious doubts about whether or not his efforts will actually achieve anything and at first, he is afraid to try.  Overwhelmed by the size and the importance of the task, Bilbo needs persuading from his new friends, but eventually he takes his task seriously.

Regardless of his limitations, Bilbo is courageous. Bilbo has a sense of adventure that allows him to see the possiblity of succeeding in his quest.  He also believes in his own ability to make an impact and so he tries.  Throughout the story Bilbo is faced with some very tricky situations that require this ability to believe in himself to make a difference.

Finally, Bilbo puts his own personal needs aside for the greater good of his kingdom.  This continual sacrifice throughout Bilbo's quest reminds the reader that sometimes it is necessary to think of others before yourself. Of course he has moments of weakness and griping when things become difficult, but in the end, Bilbo is able to carry out his quest for the greater good.

A model citizen must stand up for progress and be willing to do the work to see it through.  Although Bilbo Baggins begins this tale as a traditionalist who is reluctant to give up his comforts, he eventually decides to take action. Through his humility, his courage and his self-sacrifice for the greater good, it is evident that Bilbo Baggins is a model citizen.

How is Canadian citizenship different in 2016 than it is was in 1867?

What are your initial thoughts?

Double-click anywhere to write down your ideas

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