Voices From Here

Using the circle discussion strategy, open a discussion about Russell Myers Ross’s interview. Teachers are encouraged to create and select questions that are appropriate for their classroom; possible questions include: 1. Does anything require clarification? 2. How did the 1862 smallpox epidemic undermine Tŝilhqot’in life and Tŝilhqot’in knowledge and practices, including governance? 3. What is an example of Tŝilhqot’in resistance and resilience to colonial intrusion that Russell Myers Ross shares? How did the government respond to resistance? Identify other colonial policies that affected his nation and their effects. 4. What challenges does Russell Myers Ross share about developing a governance system from scratch? 5. Beyond people, what are other important pieces of Tŝilhqot’in governance he mentions? 6. Snippets of Russell Myers Ross’s master’s thesis are interspersed throughout the interview. What does his thesis say about the historical and continued impacts colonization has had on himself and his community? 7. What else did he share that stood out to you? Before starting this activity, direct students to the following articles on The Canadian Encyclopedia , or read them as a class: • Band • Chief Have students write a short response to the following questions: • Where did the band council system come from? • What is an example of a governance system that the band council system was created to replace? • Explore an issue that has arisen in a community where there is both a band council and a traditional system of government. Explain the issue and answer the 5Ws. Why it is significant? How was it resolved? Students will likely have to conduct an internet search for news articles. Ensure they are looking for definitions, legislation, and examples applicable to the land now known as Canada. Ask a representative of each pair or group to share something they learned with the class. Using Russell’s video and The Canadian Encyclopedia article on the Tŝilhqot’in , have students write a story or create a short comic that highlights the resistance and resilience of the Tŝilhqot’in people to colonial intrusion and policies. PART II: CIRCLE DISCUSSION PART III: THINKING ABOUT GOVERNANCE – BAND COUNCILS & TRADITIONAL GOVERNMENTS EXTENSION ACTIVITY STILL FROM RUSSELL MYERS ROSS VIDEO (HISTORICA CANADA). 23