A Spotlight on Indigenous Films

Film is a beautiful artistic medium that allows people to explore worlds and circumstances beyond their own. 

It also allows us to engage in and learn about the cultures, passions, struggles, joys, losses, and history of other human beings, whether they come from countries across the globe, or exist in our own backyard. They teach us about human beings that we might not speak to on a daily basis, but whom we might have formed opinions about. They challenge us to question our own biases, and unlearn some of the prejudices that come with lack of exposure to different cultures and people.

Let's put a spotlight on some Indigenous Films, available through our local library and the Parkland Regional Library, as well as films available through the National Film Board of Canada, which anyone can stream for free. 

Indian Horse (2018): https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=5&cn=305845

 
An adaptation of Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese’s award-winning novel, this moving and important drama sheds light on the dark history of Canada’s boarding schools or Indigenous Residential Schools and the indomitable spirit of aboriginal people.

In the late 1950’s Ontario, eight-year-old Saul Indian Horse is torn from his Ojibway family and committed to one of the notorious Catholic Residential Schools. In this oppressive environment, Saul is denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his Indigenous heritage while he witnesses horrendous abuse at the hands of the very people entrusted with his care. Despite this, Saul finds salvation in the unlikeliest of places and favourite winter pastime -- hockey. Fascinated by the game, he secretly teaches himself to play, developing a unique and rare skill. He seems to see the game in a way no other player can.

His talent leads him away from the misery of the school, eventually leading him to the Pros. But the ghosts of Saul’s past are always present, and threaten to derail his promising career and future. Forced to confront his painful past, Saul draws on the spirit of his ancestors and the understanding of his friends to begin the process of healing. - https://www.indianhorse.ca/en/film

We Can't Make the Same Mistake Twice (2016): https://www.nfb.ca/film/we_can_t_make_the_same_mistake_twice/

The rights of First Nations children take centre stage in this monumental documentary. Following a historic court case filed by the Assembly of First Nations and the Child and Family Caring Society of Canada against the federal government, Alanis Obomsawin exposes generations of injustices endured by First Nations children living on reserves and their families. Through passionate testimony and unwavering conviction, frontline childcare workers and experts including Cindy Blackstock take part in a decade-long court battle to ensure these children receive the same level of care as other Canadian children. Their case against Canada is a stark reminder of the disparities that persist in First Nations communities and the urgent need for justice to be served. - Alanis Obomsawin

Atanarjuat, the Fast Runner (2000): https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=1&cn=75847

This adaptation of an ancient Inuit legend was filmed in Inuktitut and directed by Inuit filmmakers - making Atanarjuat the first feature film of its kind!

Set in Igloolik, in Nunavut, this is "a powerful drama, not a documentary," reminds the director Kunuk. "It demystifies the exotic, otherwordly aboriginal stereotype by telling a universal story." The clothes, spears, kayaks, sunglasses and dwellings were all painstakingly researched. "We show how our ancestors dressed, how they handled their dog teams, how they argued and laughed.. confronted evil and fought back."

Many enthusiastic viewers have compared this epic story to The Iliad. In the words of one movie critic, "If Homer had been given a video camera, this is what he would have done!" 

This film is also available in Inuktitut, with English subtitles through the National Film Board: https://www.nfb.ca/film/atanarjuat_the_fast_runner_en/

Home Fire: Ending the Cycle of Family Violence (2014): https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=1&cn=302062 

Home Fire is a 37 minute documentary film that explores family violence and restorative justice from an Aboriginal perspective. Featuring commentary from Elders, community leaders, and members of the justice system, Home Fire examines the colonization of Canada, historic trauma, the western justice system and grassroots healing programs in Aboriginal communities. - https://www.nfb.ca/film/home_fire/

Club Native: https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=6&cn=152290 

Tracey Deer grew up on the Mohawk reserve of Kahnawake with two very firm but unspoken rules drummed into her by the collective force of the community. These rules were very simple and they carried severe repercussions: 1) Do not marry a white person, 2) Do not have a child with a white person. - https://www.nfb.ca/film/club_native/

nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up (2019): https://www.nfb.ca/film/nipawistamasowin-we-will-stand-up/

On August 9, 2016, a young Cree man named Colten Boushie died from a gunshot to the back of his head after entering Gerald Stanley’s rural property with his friends. The jury’s subsequent acquittal of Stanley captured international attention, raising questions about racism embedded within Canada’s legal system and propelling Colten’s family to national and international stages in their pursuit of justice. Sensitively directed by Tasha Hubbard, nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up weaves a profound narrative encompassing the filmmaker’s own adoption, the stark history of colonialism on the Prairies, and a vision of a future where Indigenous children can live safely on their homelands.See the 52-minute version here (CAMPUS subscription required). 

Aboriginality: https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=17&cn=268676

Follow Dallas Arcand, an urban youth, as he heads down the mystical Red Road to re-connect with new and traditional elements of First Nations culture. Dallas is a world champion hoop dancer and hip-hop artist aiming to connect urban Indigenous young people to their rural ancestral histories. He's a 7th generation Cree from Alexander (Kipohtakaw) First Nation. Directed by Dominique Keller, Aboriginality fuses animation by Dan Gies with live-action dance directed by Tom Jackson. - https://www.nfb.ca/film/aboriginality/

We Were Children: https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=3&cn=209685

As young children, Lyna and Glen were taken from their homes and placed in church-run boarding schools. The trauma of this experience was made worse by years of untold physical, sexual and emotional abuse, the effects of which persist in their adult lives. In this emotional film, the profound impact of the Canadian government's residential school system is conveyed unflinchingly through the eyes of two children who were forced to face hardships beyond their years. We Were Children gives voice to a national tragedy and demonstrates the incredible resilience of the human spirit. - Container Insert. 

Also available to buy from the National Film Board: https://www.nfb.ca/film/we_were_children/trailer/we_were_children_trailer/

Fire Song: https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=19&cn=279129 

Fire Song, the first Canadian narrative feature film to deal with two-spirited people in the First Nations community, focuses on Shane (Andrew Martin), a closeted Anishinaabe teenager who finds himself at a crossroads just weeks before he’s set to leave his remote Northern Ontario Aboriginal community for university in the city.

In moments, the film is overwhelmingly grim. Shane’s sister has committed suicide, and his mother is reeling from the tragedy. Shane’s girlfriend, Tara (Mary Galloway), struggles to hold together a relationship she knows is falling apart. Moving to the city is Shane’s chance to live openly with his boyfriend David (Harley Legarde), the grandson of a community elder, Evie (Ma-Nee Chacaby)—but there are countless obstacles in his way.

Fire Song is relentless in its portrayal of depression, suicide, sexual assault, drug abuse, and homophobia. The shockwaves of trauma felt throughout the community, Shane’s escalating desperation, and claustrophobic interior shots of David and Shane plotting their escape, or David’s mother mourning in her daughter’s room suspend the viewer in each character’s difficult reality. Yet, there are bright spots—fleeting glimpses of David and Shane lying in the grass, lingering shots of the incredible landscape—and ultimately Shane’s story is one of resilience. - https://www.pride.com/movies/2016/11/03/fire-song-brings-canadian-aboriginal-two-spirit-story-screen

When All the Leaves Are Gone: https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=24&cn=270048

As the only First Nations student in an all-white 1940s school, eight-year old Wato is keenly aware of the hostility towards her. She deeply misses the loving environment of the reserve she once called home, and her isolation is sharpened by her father’s serious illness. When Wato’s teacher reads from a history book describing First Nations peoples as ignorant and cruel, it aggravates her classmates’ prejudice. Shy and vulnerable Wato becomes the target of their bullying and abuse. Alone in her suffering, she finds solace and strength in the protective world of her magical dreams. - https://www.nfb.ca/film/when_all_the_leaves_are_gone/

Also available to stream for free via the National Film Board

To learn more about Canadian Indigenous Filmmakers, check out Indigenous Filmmakers and Actors: A First Nations Book for Young Readers: https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=1&cn=421973

Travel the World (when you can't travel the world) with Shifu Orbit!

Super-Awesome-Check-Out-Able-Makerspaces at the LIBRARY!

by Maddie Anderson

"The Good Old Globe with a fun twist of Augmented Reality" -Shifu Orbit

Seriously. This is the coolest learning tool for "around the world" I have ever seen.

Okay. So. As a parent, I am skeptical of  things that may glue my child to a screen (my child already steals my phone and knows how to work it better than I do some days), and of things that require bluetooth settings, because I find they only work half the time and I spend all my time fighting with the bluetooth with my child staring at me impatiently.

I had thought this would be something that would connect with bluetooth and need a bunch of batteries and be not super user friendly. 

I WAS WRONG!

I downloaded the app, and it did an automatic install of all globe features. The user sets up a profile, and then hovers over a part of the globe with the CAMERA, and the app pulls up a variety of categories like animals, monuments, inventions, cultures, maps, cuisine, mysteries, and more! The little explorer can travel all around the world filling out their passport. There are games to play, and open exploration.

It is unbelievably easy to navigate. For example. 

I spun the globe and landed on a spot in the ocean. I selected the category "Animals" and I chose to learn about the Turtle. 

With my turtle selected, I was greeted by a very friendly turtle. I could learn all about the Sea Turtle by reading the pane on the side, and, with my headphones in, had a narrator reading it all to me.

 

I could then click on the yellow light bulb for more information!

 

 

Once I was done learning everything I could go to the skill testing question and answer it! 

 

 

The turtle made some funny comments while eating the fish, and then i was back to spinning the globe and being an all around-explorer!

This is a super fun interactive app for your little ones to explore the world! 

 

This is the link to place the globe on hold and to learn more about it:  https://search.prl.ab.ca/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=99.1033.0.0.4&pos=1&cn=389311

 

Have fun, Globe-Trotters!  

 

 

Book Reviews for Tired Parents

Board Book Reviews

By: Maddie  Anderson

When a child finds a new favourite book, the parent of said child has the delightful experience of reading this book over and over and over again, for what feels like the rest of forever. Every once in a while, the tiny human will choose a book to love that the parent loves too, and these three are my top picks from my over and over again experience with my oldest child. 

Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You - Nancy Tillman

I discovered Nancy Tillman with her book "On the Night You Were Born" and my tiny human tried to tear the paper to shreds, so, we switched to board books. As I was reading this book to my squirmy toddler I realized how much I loved this story, these words, and how, no matter how old you get, reminding me that a parents love will follow you wherever you go is needed. It is lyrical, powerful, and profound in its ability to bring me to tears.

 

 

 

Supertruck by Steven Savage.

 

This is a book that drove me absolutely crazy when we first got it. It is all about an unsuspecting dump truck who does so much more than collect the trash. Once I had read it about 100 times I had it fully memorized and the story wormed its way into my heart. It is a book about a little garbage truck who, despite what people said about them, saved the day, and no one was the wiser (not the bucket truck, the bus, or the fire truck!). This may be me thinking too profoundly about a children's book, but, it speaks to humility, kindness, and decency, despite ones circumstances.

 

 

 

I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak

This book captured my heart from the moment I first picked it up with my newborn in my arms. I remember trying to learn how to hold a book and a baby at the same time, while turning the pages of this beautiful poem. This is a book we borrowed so many times from the library that we had to buy it because we loved it so much (and we had used up all our renewals several times over). It will always hold a special place in my heart. Now that we have read every board book by this author, I can confidently say that she has a permanent place in the journey of our love of reading. 

Art Attack - Pull String Art

We're switching up the focus of this blog, and moving away from Boredom Busters and into Art Attack projects. Some of these projects we will have done before at the library, some are new to us. We will feature two or three art projects per week for you to try at home. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's project is Pull String Art!

This is a really great project to do with minimal materials. All you need is: 

- Paper
- String/yarn
- Paint (liquid watercolours work great too!)

First you want to cut some long sections of string/yarn. You want them long enough that you can create some curls/swirls on the paper, and have enough hanging off the paper to pull through. 

Next, choose your colours. If you have black paper/cardstock, try using some bright colours that will really pop! Coat your string in paint (except for the part at the end you'll be holding on to), then remove the excess paint by pinching the string between your fingers and sliding them down to the end. This can be a very messy project!

Once you have the excess paint off, lay your string out on the paper in whichever design you like. Check out this rainbow pull string art, or this one done with liquid watercolours! You can fold your paper in half to have your design on both sides, or grab a second piece of paper to press down over top of it - then you'll have two designs that are the mirror image of each other! 

Experiment with different colours and different designs, until you have your masterpiece (or many of them!). Grab a canvas, paint a background, and experiment with some different techniques. The only limit is your imagination!

Hopefully this project helps break up the day, and gets your family engaged in Pull String Art!

If your kids love these art projects, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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Art Attack - Bubble Art

We're switching up the focus of this blog, and moving away from Boredom Busters and into Art Attack projects. Some of these projects we will have done before at the library, some are new to us. We will feature two or three art projects per week for you to try at home. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's project: Bubble Art!

This is a project we've done for Art Attack and in Story Time. While we normally use food colouring to add colour to our bubbles, we recently discovered that liquid watercolours work phenomenally well in making the colour really POP! off the canvas. 

What you'll need: 

- Bubbles (store-bought works fine, or you can try one of these homemade recipes)
- Bubble wands (you can make your own with a pipe cleaner too!)
- Liquid watercolours (food colouring will work as well, you'll just need to use a lot of it)
- Paper/canvas

Whether you're using food colouring or liquid water colours, you'll want to separate cups or small containers to mix your different colours of bubbles. You can use a stirring stick to mix the bubbles (gently, if you agitate the bubbles too much they're difficult to blow) or just whichever bubble wand you want to use for each colour. A little bit of bubble mix goes a long way, you can always create more. But once you've mixed the colour in, you're pretty much stuck with it unless you want to mix some of them together to create a new colour. Be careful not to over-mix, or you'll end up with brown (unless that was your goal).

This is a perfect project to do outside when the weather in nice. If you don't have table space outdoors, just lay out a mat or a blanket (make sure it's one you don't mind getting messy). 

 

There are a couple different ways to create your bubble art. You can blow the bubbles directly onto the paper and allow them to POP!, creating random and unique patterns. This would be a great project for a banner, which could be placed on the ground or hung on a fence to catch the bubbles in the wind.

You can also try stamping with your bubble wand to create fun shapes! Just load up the wand with bubbles and then gently press them onto your paper/canvas.

 

Another great way to paint with bubbles is the splatter effect! Dip your bubble wand in the colour of your choice, then flick, shake, or whip the bubble wand at the paper/canvas to create a great splatter pattern! You'll definitely get messy for this one, so make sure you're wearing paint clothes and watch out for those around you.  

Hopefully this project helps break up the day, and gets your family engaged in Bubble Art!

If your kids love these art projects, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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Boredom Busters: Summer Poetry

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Summer Poetry!

River of Words: http://madebyjoel.com/2011/07/poetry-river-craft.html

Get inspired to create your own poetry river craft with this example by Made By Joel. Have the kids set the scene with some found items and some crafted ones. Draw from your own outdoor experiences and tweak this poetry project however you like!

Craft Poetry Monster: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/2017/crafts-poetry-monster/

This is a super cute poetry project! Follow the instructions linked above to create your own Monster Poetry Box, and see what creativity it inspires! Let your imagination run loose, and see if you can create your own unique "Sylvan Lake Monster" craft box/poems.

Poem Petals: https://blog.readingeggs.com/2016/04/15/3-fun-craft-ideas-to-celebrate-poetry-with-your-kids/

This is a fun and easy project for kids of any age. Help your kids come up with words following a specific theme (like Summer or Sylvan Lake), or let them freestyle their own words for this fun petal poem. Make it even more unique by using found objects for the base of the craft!

Poetry Books for Kids: https://imaginationsoup.net/reading-poetry-with-kids-new-and-favorite-books/

Getting into poetry can be a hard sell for some kids. Check out some of these titles linked above, then check out some of the titles in our collection. Shel Silverstein is a tried and true classic, and Martin Rising: Requiem for a King is one of my personal favourite poetry collections.

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in creating summer poetry!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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Bored Busters: Garden Meals

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families - see which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Garden Meals!

Garden Chicken Wrap: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/chicken-wrap.html

We have carrots and spinach in our garden, so this one is perfect for us. Throw in some of your other favourite garden goodies, like peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers. Drizzle on some dressing and wrap it up tight! You can also mix it all together like a salad before tossing it into your wrap! Delicious!

Italian Roasted Snap Peas: https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/italian-roasted-snap-peas/

If your peas are doing well in your garden this year, check out this delicious summer recipe for roasted snap peas. Throw in some tomatoes from the garden, maybe even some peppers. Season and serve! If you like those, check out these Crunchy Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas or these delicious Roasted Carrots!

Tomato and Cheese Tart: https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/vegetables/heirloom-tomato-and-goat-cheese-tart/

I love tomatoes. I love cheese. I love tarts. Perfection! This recipe has some great seasoning, but feel free to experiment with some of your other favourite spices. If you don't have goat cheese, cream cheese will work great!

Lemon Pesto Garden Salad: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/crunchy-lemon-pesto-garden-salad/

This is a great recipe to throw in whatever you have in your garden; lettuce, peas, cucumbers, onions, squash, peppers, tomatoes ... throw the whole garden in there! Pesto is such a wonderful addition to literally everything, so if you've been growing an herb garden, add in some of that deliciousness! Lemon gives this salad that extra zing it needs to be truly fantastic!

Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in making some delicious garden meals!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website
 
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