CBC Archives

Write the word “assimilation” on the board. Ask students to define the word, getting at the meaning to absorb or integrate into a wider society or culture.

One of the Innu in the clips says, “We should have a choice to go the white man’s way or the Innu way.” Ask students: Do you agree or disagree? Have them talk to a partner and explain reasons for their opinion.

Direct students to the topic Davis Inlet: Innu Community in Crisis on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. With their partner, have students browse Clips #3, 5, and 9, and the Additional Clips “Educating the Innu” and “We don't do anything... we are lazy,” as well as read the text for the clips. They may wish to browse other clips if they have time.

Invite students to write a response to the clips, considering the following:

their initial impressions,

feelings or thoughts they had while watching the clips,

something that was particularly striking,

information they may question,

any questions they have,

a person from the clips that they would like to meet and what they would talk about, and

any ideas they have about the future of the community.

Have student volunteers share their responses to the clips. Encourage questioning and further discussion of the responses. Allow time in the discussion for everyone who wants to participate.

Assessment Tip
Listen to how students articulate their thinking and to whether they seem to deepen their understanding through discussion.

Former Innu Nation president Ben Michel said, “Money is not going to solve the problem. They have to solve their problems themselves….if they don’t want to help themselves, no matter how much money is being poured into any of those communities, their problems are not going to go away.” Students can write a position statement, with supporting details, agreeing or disagreeing with the statement.