This is a probing documentary into the deplorable conditions of drinking water in northern Ontario First Nations communities. Over 200 First Nations communities in Canada have unclean, unsafe drinking water. The reasons for this on-going tragedy are effectively explored in the film.
A guide to accompany the film has been designed to help teachers and students enrich their experience of documentary film by providing support in the form of questions and activities.
The video presents a strong indictment of those responsible for the availability of water on First Nations reserves. Students may measure the validity of this indictment by engaging those skills associated with determining whether a given presentation is balanced and fair.
The issue of clean water on First Nations reserves and the reaction of the Federal government to the perceived crisis is currently very much in the news. The video helps to raise student awareness of the topic and may serve as an introduction to the issue and encourage further study.
The Truth and Reconciliation Report has resulted in changes to provincial curricula that give greater attention to First Nations issues and the perspective of Indigenous peoples. The video, Thirst, will help teachers who are looking for resources to carry out this mandate.
The video should be the beginning of a larger study focusing on the issue of clean water and other challenges faced by First Nations reserves.
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.