Mini-Lesson for Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger

Mini-Lesson for Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger

School Subjects:

Civics/Citizenship – Federal and Provincial Government, Human Rights
Indigenous Studies – History and Politics and Issues
Social Studies – Law

Ages: 15-17

Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger, Alanis Obomsawin, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Keywords/Topics: Children’s rights, legal system, Indigenous children’s health and wellness, Indigenous children’s treatment and rehabilitation, Indigenous youth, institutional racism, history, politics, society, Indigenous rights, Jordan’s Principle

Overarching Question: How does the Jordan River Anderson case reflect unjust and unethical treatment of Indigenous peoples and how critical is it for society to advocate for a socially just and ethical society?

Educational Synopsis: Jordan River Anderson’s life story reflects the unjust and unethical treatment of Indigenous children. The Canadian government was taken to court to end the ongoing struggle for Indigenous children to have the right to receive equitable social, health and educational services. The House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in 2007. In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ordered the government to fully implement Jordan’s Principle. Despite this, by 2017, the CHRT had issued its third non-compliance order that found the government to be unlawful and discriminatory. Jordan’s story is reflective of many lives in Indigenous communities today. Currently, there is much evidence of racist, unethical and unjust treatment of Indigenous people within the healthcare system.

ACTIVITY 1 – Film Title Talk and Share

Activity Steps

After watching the film, discuss with a partner the significance of the film’s title Jordan River Anderson: The Messenger. What was Jordan a messenger of?
On their own, have students come up with an alternative title that reflects the content of this film.
Get the students to write the alternative title on a piece of paper or sticky note.
Post the titles on the walls around the classroom.
Invite the students to walk around the classroom and view the gallery of alternative titles.

Extension – If there’s time, have students share their reasoning for their alternative title.

Summary

Although he could never speak or show any emotion, Jordan River Anderson left a powerful message and legacy of hope and justice. Those with strength and love in their hearts and voices were able to speak on behalf of this child and continue to advocate for others who may feel voiceless in a loud and unjust society. Consider the importance of being advocates of social justice for those who may feel powerless or voiceless.

ACTIVITY 2 – Mind Map, Reflect and Discuss

Activity Steps

Read the activity summary below to the students after reflecting on the clip.
Either individually or in pairs, get students to use a mind map to answer these questions:
- Why were policies enforced to deter Indigenous people or allies in advocating for ethical and fair treatment in Canadian society, and do barriers continue to be reflected systemically in our society today?
- How did barriers shape Canadian society as a whole while ensuring Indigenous Peoples continually have their land, culture and rights stripped bare?
- In relation to Jordan’s Principle, what barriers did Jordan’s family, and other families, face when it came to the ethical treatment of their children? Have a class discussion to share thoughts on the above questions.
Have a class discussion to share thoughts on the above questions.

Summary

This film has shown that there are many lawyers and advocates who work tirelessly to ensure there is social justice and equitable treatment for Indigenous children and youth. Throughout history and until the present day, barriers have been put in place to work against the well–being of Indigenous Peoples. Enforced policies ensured Indigenous Peoples could not legally fight for social justice through the courts. From 1927 to 1951, Status Indians were legally forbidden from seeking legal advice, hiring lawyers, fundraising for land claims, or meeting in groups. In fact, if Status Indians attempted to attain post-secondary education to become a lawyer or doctor, they would be forced to enfranchise, thus losing their Status Indian rights. One reason this was done was so the government would have fewer Status people to whom they had to honour treaty obligations while continuing to keep Indigenous Peoples oppressed.

ACTIVITY 3 – Word Collage

Activity Steps

Ask students to go online and search for Bear Witness First Nations Child & Family Caring Society and have them read the summary for Bear Witness Day.
Discuss what Bear Witness Day is and why it is important.
Brainstorm initiatives that can be done on May 10, or any other day, to advocate for greater awareness of Jordan’s Principle and social justice.
Download and print a teddy bear graphic or have students draw a basic outline of a teddy bear that fills an 8.5” by 11” piece of paper.
Invite students to write empowering words of hope, encouragement and social justice within the body of the teddy bear. Take photos of the teddy bear word collages. Send the photos to the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society or post your photos on social media using the hashtags #BearWitnessDay and #JordansPrinciple.
Alternatively – Students can simply write empowering words in various sizes and colours on a poster sheet paper. Include the hashtags #BearWitnessDay and #JordansPrinciples on the sheet. Take a photo of the students holding up their word collage. Post to social media using the hashtags #BearWitnessDay and #JordansPrinciple.

Bear Witness Image

Summary

May 10 is Bear Witness Day, a day that shows support for the implementation of Jordan’s Principle. Teddy bears may be associated with children, yet no matter what age we are, we can all connect with memories of being a child, further emphasizing the importance of nurturing children who continue to need support and advocacy. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s first non-compliance order called for Canada to fully implement Jordan’s Principle by May 10, 2016, although it took many more years and many non-compliance orders against Canada before any real progress was made. A bear symbolizes courage, the strength to overcome challenges, protection, and survival. The bear as a symbol for courage is one of the seven grandfather teachings originating within the Anishinaabe Nation.

Reconciliation is All of Us

Take Action: Cards – Advocate, Facilitate and Participate

What are ways that we can advocate, facilitate and participate for less hate and more compassionate treatment while working with Indigenous people within the healthcare system?
Brainstorm actions that individuals or groups can facilitate or participate in to raise awareness and initiate actions for equitable treatment of Indigenous people.
Create action cards. In 280 characters, state actions or facts that raise awareness or suggest ways to call for equitable treatment of Indigenous people in the healthcare system.
Post the action card statements to social media platforms.

Summary

The story of Jordan River Anderson offers explicit evidence of the unjust treatment that Indigenous people face in Canadian society. Prior to the creation of Canada, Indigenous people had methods of maintaining health and wellness that were rooted in land–based medicine and nurtured through a strong circle of support within the community. Indigenous people were exposed to many illnesses, and traditional wellness methods were demonized and destroyed by the newly formed government and the new population in general. When Treaties were entered into, promises were made to ensure the health and wellness of Indigenous people. Yet these promises have been neglected, and discrimination towards Indigenous people continues to be embedded in the healthcare system. Recently, the media has covered cases within the healthcare profession of extreme racism and hate directed toward Indigenous people. Social media has been a tool to document and share this negative treatment, but it can also be a tool to advocate for social justice and humane treatment.