1. If you haven’t already written about the story “’You’ll Never Believe What
Happened’ Is Always a Great Way To Start”, you can re-visit the question
of worldview as revealed by creation myths. For your research, find
another one or two Indigenous creation myths (that come from cultures
within Canada’s borders), and consider the value systems implicit in these
stories. You may compare more than one Indigenous creation story,
exploring commonalities and/or differences and/or you may also compare
and contrast with the Biblical story from Genesis (the Garden of Eden). If
you do this, please actually read this story in the Bible, and interpret the
values implicit in this version of the creation of the world as compared to
the Indigenous stories you read. In addition to these primary sources,
make sure you find research materials that provide commentary/
interpretation of these stories and that help you to shape your
understanding of the meaning of creation mythology.
2. In “Borders” Thomas King tells a story about a woman who refuses to
declare her citizenship as either Canadian or American because she feels
herself part of an older, more meaningful identity or nation. Research the
history of Indigenous citizenship in Canada (and related issues such as
the Indian Act), and use this story to discuss the ways in which Canadian
identity (and citizenship) conflict with Indigenous rights and identity. Issues
you might consider researching include the breaking up of Indigenous
nations that pre-dated the Canadian/American border, the limits and
requirements of Canadian citizenship for Indigenous people, and the way
in which the Indian Act defines citizenship for Indigenous people. How
does this story provide commentary on the political realities of citizenship
for Indigenous people in Canada?
3. Read the graphic novel excerpt “The Oka Crisis” and then read up on the
history of the Oka Crisis. In what way(s) can the resistance at Oka be said
to be the precursor to Idle No More and Indigenous activism today?