The truth about stories is that that’s all we are.
Thomas King
In my class this term, we spent the better part of discussing story particularly First Peoples stories, their purpose, protocols, and importance for understanding self, the other, and our place in the world.
We ere gifted with having three different local elders (four groups, in fact, claim unceded territory in what in now the West Kootenay region of southern British Columbia) share a story from their people. Students explored a variety of indigenous written texts to build a larger context. A local film instructor and movie buff (and school parent) spent an afternoon with the students, helping students to elucidate what makes a great film or scene a great story.
With the overarching Big Idea from the BC Curriculum serving as our shared context– exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to other and to the world–the digital storytelling project was born.*
The self-selected groups were asked to consider three main components while recreating a selected First Peoples story*:
- Use and experiment with the oral storytelling process;
- Develop an awareness of the protocols and ownership associated with First Peoples texts;
- Recognize and appreciate the role of story, narrative, and oral tradition in expressing First Peoples perspectives, values, beliefs, and points of view.
*from British Columbia Language Arts 8 Curriculum.
After four weeks and several hours later here are some of the finished products that were presented in a Celebration of Learning Film Fest for parents and community last week.
JY
GETTING CURIOUS 