C5. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices in Contemporary Literature
Specific Expectations
Development of Contemporary Literature
C5.1
describe the contributions of a variety of individuals, organizations, and initiatives to the development of contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit literature (e.g., individuals: Thomas King, Rachel Attituq Qitsualik-Tinsley, Lee Maracle, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Taqralik Partridge; organizations: the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition RIEL Centre, Indigenous- and non-Indigenous-owned publishing companies and booksellers, library associations; initiatives: Kimiwan zine, the Ânskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival, various book awards, book clubs that focus on works by Indigenous writers)
- How have Indigenous and non-Indigenous publishing houses supported the emergence of new First Nations, Métis, and Inuit writers?
- What awards can you name that have helped raise public awareness of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit literature? Who are some of the recipients and what were their contributions?
Influence of Contemporary Literature
C5.2
analyse the influence of contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit literary works on identities and heritage in Canada (e.g., in terms of offering alternative perspectives on historical events in Canada; of incorporating First Nations, Métis, and Inuit voices, world views, and identities into Canadian literary heritage; of shaping the content and delivery of postsecondary history and literature courses), commenting with increasing insight on the role of literature as a social and cultural force in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities
- What are some specific ways in which Basil Johnston’s works have contributed to linguistic and cultural revitalization in First Nations communities?
- What major themes are represented in the collective works gathered in Honouring Indigenous Women: Hearts of Nations, vol. 2? What event made the Toronto launch of the book especially significant?
- What are some specific benefits that contemporary Canadian society receives from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit literature?
Influence of Technology
C5.3
analyse the role of technology in helping promote the work of contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit writers and publishers, drawing on evidence from a variety of initiatives to support their conclusions (e.g., Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk offers videoconferencing and other technologies to help writers co-create community narratives and co-write publications; the Historica Canada Indigenous Arts & Stories competition for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth gives a start to emerging writers by sharing their work online; social media influencers use online chats and blog posts to review and promote new Indigenous literature)