First Nations Issues from Oka to Today

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11-12

First Nations Issues from Oka to Today

Project type: Web Quest

Related topic:
The Oka Crisis

Subjects

History
Social Studies

Summary

Students will use a variety of Web-based resources to investigate an issue relevant to First Nations peoples in Canada today.

Duration

3 lessons

Purpose

To research a relevant national issue in depth

PDF

research_log.pdf

Before Exploring

This activity is best suited for senior-level students of History and/or Social Studies who already have some familiarity with First Nations issues in Canadian history. The task will focus on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site along with other relevant sources of information. The resource list contains some suggestions for research on this topic.

Outline the Opportunity

Students are to prepare a summary or overview of one of the following issues involving First Nations peoples and governments in Canada:

Standoff at Ipperwash Provincial Park, Ontario

Dispute over Mic’maq lobster fishing rights at Burnt Church, N.B.

Nisga’a land claims treaty and controversy over it in British Columbia.

Land claims negotiations between Quebec government and James Bay Cree

Formation of Nunavut and aboriginal self-government

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and its impact

Students are to obtain as much information as possible on one of these issues, or another important issue involving First Nations peoples in Canada since 1990. They are to explain why this issue is important with regard to First Nations issues, and to what extent they think the Oka crisis and its aftermath may have influenced it.

Revisit and Reflect

Have students present their work. Encourage peer questioning about each topic. You may wish to keep class notes of the information presented so that as each student presents, the rest of the class can compare and contrast the issues facing First Nations communities today, and the impact of Oka on each issue.

Print
Austin, Lisa, and Christian Boyd. The Oka Crisis. Dundas Ont: Peace Research Institute, 1993.
Center de recherché-action sur les relations raciales. The Oka Crisis of 1990: Lessons from the Crisis and Proposals for the Future. Montreal: Le Center, 1991.
Ciaccia, John. The Oka Crisis: A Mirror of the Soul. Dorval Que: Maren, 2000.
Cross, Ronald, and Helene Sevigny. Lasagna: The Man Behind the Mask. Vancouver: Talonbooks, 1994.
Goodleaf, Donna K. Entering the War Zone: A Mohawk Perspective on Resisting Invasions. Penticton BC: Theytus, 1995.
Hornung, Rick. One Nation Under the Gun: Inside the Mohawk Civil War. Don Mills: Stoddart, 1991.
MacLaine, Craig, and Michael S. Baxendale. This Land is Our Land: The Mohawk Revolt at Oka. Montreal: Optimum, 1990.
York, Geoffrey, and Loreen Pindera. People of the Pines: The Warriors and the Legacy of Oka. Toronto: McArthur, 1999.

Multimedia
Acts of Defiance (NFB, Alec G. Macleod, dir., 1992)
Kanesatake: 270 Years of Resistance (NFB, Alanis Obomsawin, dir., 1993)
Rocks at Whiskey Trench (NFB, Alanis Obomsawin, dir., 2000)
Spudwrench: Kahnawake Man (NFB, Alanis Obomsawin, dir., 1997)