WaaPaKe Activity

Sit with Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin and unravel the tangled threads of silence suffered by residential school Survivors through truth, freedom and power, in this deeply personal, award-winning short documentary.

WaaPaKe (Tomorrow), Jules Arita Koostachin, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Activity for Ages 13–17

Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Health, Language Arts

Conversation Starter: Who did you connect to most in this film? Why?

Class Discussion:

This film talks about many cultural practices. What are some of the cultural practices in your families?
What are some of the cultural practices we saw in the film? (Poetry, beading, hunting and fishing, smudging.) What did these practices bring to the lives of the protagonists?
What inspired Asivak’s decision to live collectively? What are some strengths of that way of life?

Research Project:

For teachers: This can be carried out either individually or in small groups. Remember to specify the criteria unique to your classroom.

Choose one of the cultural practices we brainstormed together and learn more about it!
What is the significance of this practice? What are its origins?
What connections can you make between this cultural practice and your own culture(s)?
Share your findings through an artistic presentation (film, performance, music, visual art), written essay, poster project, step-by-step guide, news article or other medium.