Indigenous Issues in Canada

In this one-hour documentary film presentation, we witness to the multigenerational challenges and triumphs of a Wahgoshig First Nation family in pursuit of healing, progress, and truth. 

Wahgoshig First Nation is located 2.5 hours northeast of Timmins, Ontario. 

Supporting Post-Secondary & Teacher Education

• Reconciliation - Indigenous and non-Indigenous People
• Mental Health
• Equity and Inclusion

Supporting the 2019 Ontario curriculum: 

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies (Grades 9 to 12)

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action
• Residential schools
• ’60s scoop
• Reconciliation
• Mental Health and Addiction

Landscape of Nations—a Story of Reconciliation (runtime: 22 minutes) takes us on a journey to witness the spirit of reconciliation in action as we see the Landscape of Nations Memorial—honouring the role of Six Nations and Native Allies in the War of 1812—come to life! Historians, community leaders, artists, construction workers, and educators recover history together sharing the story-behind-the-story of this new national memorial at Queenston Heights, Ontario. Available with closed captioning. 

All she wanted was to go to a real school.
She became a role model and a legend.

Fifteen-year old Shannen Koostachin had a dream that all

Where are the Hallways? (Runtime: 18:22) provides insight into the day-to-day lived experiences of students and staff in Kashechewan First Nation who attend St. Andrew’s Elementary School. Attending school in portables for over 10 years now, the elementary students, staff and parents address the need for a new elementary school in Kashechewan. Students share perspectives regarding school life—the challenges, supports, successes, the importance of education and their hopes for a better future. Utilize the documentary to spark inquiry—dig deeper into the current issues the school community is confronting and provides a call to action to support the achievement and well-being of all First Nation children and youth. Available with closed captioning.

Making Reconciliation a Reality introduces the concept of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. People from all walks of life—students, educators, singer/songwriters, residential school survivors, ministers, parents, community leaders, a former Prime Minister—sharing lived experiences, stories, and the important role each of us can play to make reconciliation a reality. This journey begins with ourselves. 

Each June 11th, organize an Our Dreams Matter Too Walk in your school community in support of culturally-based equity for First Nation children. This short video features youth leaders Wes Prankard, founder of Northern Starfish, and Julia & Emma Mogus, co-founders of Books With No Bounds, encouraging children, youth, families, schools, and organizations to write letters to local MPs and the Prime Minister in support of culturally-based equity for First Nations children. Learn more at First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada

Learn more about the lives and issues confronting today's Indigenous children and youth alongside Emma and Julia Mogus, co-founders of Books With No Bounds. In 2012, these two teen sisters on a mission from Oakville, Ontario, embarked on a remarkable journey to bring the gift of reading to children and youth in Canada's northern First Nation communities. To date, Books With No Bounds, has delivered well over 100,000+ books and school supplies to children in communities around the world who need them. Younger brother Jack is now also involved. Their inspiring story is one of exemplary leadership, compassion, and an enduring commitment to the importance of education for all children. Runtime: 14:40.

Shelley Steele, Founder of Heartspeak is interviewed on NationTalk about Heartspeak’s mission to produce inspirational, educational, and social media featuring young role models, as they share lessons learned based on lived experiences.

Topics include bullying, mental health and addiction, leadership, disability, racism, gender issues, the inequities faced by First Nation children in Canada, and more.