From Teaching Tolerance:
“As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s important to remember that some Indigenous communities observe the holiday as a day of mourning. Here are a few resources to get you started thinking about Indigenous perspectives as we approach Thanksgiving 2019.”
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Watch & Discuss:
2017 Sundance Short Film: “My Father’s Tools” (6:33)
An Official Selection at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, “My Father’s Tools” is a short film focused on the dying art of the Canadian Mi’kmaq tradition of black ash rib basket weaving. In honor of his father, Stephen continues the production of these traditional baskets. He thus finds connection with the man who taught him the work.
Possible Discussion Questions:
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What did you notice about the rib basket craft? What surprised you? Struck you?
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Has any craft been passed down to you from previous generations? If not, is there a craft/skill that you’d like to learn from a family member or elder?
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Even more on the topic:
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Native Knowledge 360° Essential Understandings about American Indians