The School of Education at Trent University has an Indigenous, Environmental and Sustainability Education course for all teacher candidates. I joined the course as a marker/grader in the fall of 2024 and found myself learning alongside the students, wishing that a course like this had been part of my B.Ed in the 1990s.
In the course syllabus Dr Rachael Nichols writes, “The Ontario curriculum requires that all teachers, in all grades and all subjects, infuse environmental and Indigenous education in their teaching.”
As educators we have the responsibility to prepare ourselves to teach about these issues and one of the easiest and most accessible ways to learn is through film. I’d like to present some of the recommended films for the IESE course with hopes that you will watch them and take time to reflect on their teachings.
Cottagers and Indians
Drew Haydon Taylor is from Curve Lake First Nation near Peterborough. In his CBC documentary, Cottagers and Indians, he shares the perspectives of people using the lake for conflicting reasons. Manoomin, commonly called wild rice, is grown and harvested on lakes but it negatively impacts the lives of those using the lakes for recreational pursuits. The film demonstrates how complex issues can be. It’s very thought provoking for settlers like me who were taught history through a biased lens.
There’s Something in the Water
This documentary explains the injustices felt by African Canadians and First Nations in Nova Scotia where water has been polluted. The stories are somber and scary but the courageous women who speak for their communities need us to listen.
For Love
This film tells the stories of intergenerational trauma, neglect and abuse caused by residential schools but it also leaves you feeling hopeful for the future. More Indigenous children are learning about their culture and elders are bravely stepping forward to help them. As an uninvited guest on Turtle Island it is my responsibility to listen to these stories and take action going forward.
I’m grateful that these films were recommended to me and I hope you will find them helpful as well. I’m curious to know if you have any other films or books that would help me learn. Please leave a comment with your thoughts.
Brenda
