Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

Policy Research Presentation

Students will research a contemporary Canadian policy created to raise awareness of historical injustices against Indigenous peoples, evaluate the policy for effectiveness, and summarize findings for classmates.

Wagamese’s novel explores the harsh treatment of Indigenous peoples in the mid-20th century by both Canadian governmental policy and society. Since this point, the Canadian government has taken steps to make amends for the past.

• First, identify one educational, legal, social, or economic policy promoting awareness of past injustices against the Indigenous people of Canada. Explain the specific intended outcome of the policy.
• Next, evaluate the policy’s creation and effectiveness. For example, were Indigenous populations involved in writing the policy? Does the Indigenous community consider the policy to be successful?
• Then, propose a revised or new policy to improve upon the existing one.

For example, if you select a policy to raise awareness of historical treatment of Indigenous peoples for present-day Canadians in the public school system, research the level of support of the Indigenous community and any positive or negative response. Suggest improvements or revisions to refine the policy based on your research.