United Church Publications

VHS $19.95 Product ID: 400 000 124 | DVD $24.95 Product ID: 400 000 128

This four-part series video is commissioned by representatives from the All Native Circle Conference, British Columbia Native Ministries Council and Native ministries of The United Church of Canada in southern Ontario.

It explores the social, political, economic and cultural struggles of First Nations in Canada, including the inherent right to self-government and lands. It includes an understanding of the inseparable bond between land and the spirituality of First Nations people.

It invites non-Natives to dialogue and work in partnership with First Nations ministries in the struggle towards a just, social, political and economic life.

Video Clip!

• Download Video [WMV: 1:53 /4.73 MB]

The video is divided into four series addressing four rights issues that First Nations are confronted with in Canada; including land rights, loss of culture, economic justice, and the right to self-government. A question is posed on the screen at the end of each series to encourage groups to respond and discuss the story. The four series can be viewed on their own, used on four separate occasions or together if time allows.

Purpose of the Video

For Natives

• To instil pride in Native youth by showing Native people in Canada in charge of their destiny.

For non-Natives

• An understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural struggles of First Nations ministries and communities, including the inherent right to self-government, lands and resources.
• An understanding of the inseparable bond between land and spirituality of Native peoples.
• To enable non-native congregations to dialogue and work in partnership with First Nations ministries in their struggles towards a just social, political, economic, and cultural life.

Audience

Native and non-Native congregations Youth, and adult study groups Groups involved with justice issues

Set-up and Study Questions

At the beginning of each session, invite participants to brainstorm one or two words that spring to mind in response to each segment's theme: land rights, loss and reclaiming of cultures, economic justice, and self-government. List the word or phrases on a flipchart.

Questions appear on screen after each segment. Viewers are encouraged to jot down their impressions, answers, or additional questions for discussion at the end.

Part 1. Land Rights: Stories from British Columbia

Question

What roles does land have in forming the identity and development of First Nations communities?

Part 2. Reclaiming Aboriginal Cultures in Urban Settings: Stories from Toronto, Ontario

Question

How have First Nations cultures been lost and reclaimed?

Part 3. Economic Justice: Stories from Split Lake, Manitoba

Question

What are some of the challenges and opportunities for economic development and justice for First Nations peoples in keeping with values of harmony and balance with the environment?

Part 4. Aboriginal Self-Government: Stories from Saskatchewan

Question

How can Aboriginal self-government foster healthy communities?

Closing

Read together the poem, Pain, by Arthur Dennis "Ogemahwajewon" Stark.

How to Get a Copy

Hear Our Voices: First Nations of Canada Speak is available for purchase from UCRD or borrow it from your local from AVEL outlet.