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In Search of April Raintree

Secondary

Description

After being separated from her loving but alcoholic parents  April Raintree is forced to abandon her heritage in order to survive in an indifferent foster care system.  Thus, when April reunites with her sister Cheryl she is appalled to discover Cheryl's pride in her Metis heritage despite her having fallen into the abyss of addiction that destroyed their childhood.  It is only when a brutal act shatters April’s safe world that she realizes she has been as guilty of prejudice as the people she now despises.  This haunting novel delivers a powerful message about identity and acceptance while inspiring students to become more involved in the fight to end racial discrimination.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource explores social issues that have impacted First Nations people in Canada and supports indigenous studies outcomes related to understanding how poverty, addiction and assimilation have devastated communities.  The plight of the Metis people and other non-status Indians has also been compounded by a lack of acknowledgement of their First Nations heritage.  Students could research the history of the Metis in Canada to determine how adequately this issue has been addressed.

The theme of identity could be further explored through an action project in which  students create a "cultural mosaic" to present a visual portrait of the diversity of their class.  The project could be the catalyst for an awareness campaign that has high school students visit local middle and elementary schools to promote empathy and respect for all people.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Aboriginal Studies 20: The Metis: Conflict and Cultural Change
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Aboriginal Studies 30: Aboriginal Peoples in Canadian Society
  • Manitoba
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language Use in Context: Home
        • Language Use in Context: Outside the Community
        • Language Use in Context: Within the Community
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language Use in Context: Home
        • Language Use in Context: Outside the Community
        • Language Use in Context: Within the Community
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language Use in Context: Home
        • Language Use in Context: Outside the Community
        • Language Use in Context: Within the Community
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Language Use in Context: Home
        • Language Use in Context: Outside the Community
        • Language Use in Context: Within the Community
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Current Topics in First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies: Image and Identity
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Expressions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Cultures (Open): Foundations
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (Workplace prep.) Understanding and Respecting World Views and Cultural Diversity
  • Saskatchewan

Themes Addressed

Human Rights (1)

  • Cultural Diversity

Indigenous Knowledge (1)

  • Rituals, Spirituality and Worldviews

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