In this highly regarded CBC Newsworld documentary, also known as Reading, Writing and the Rez, four savvy teenagers take us to their white high schools and show us why most Native kids from reserves don’t graduate. Kiki, Chelsey, Jordan and Marcus live on the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, an urban Indian reserve in the shadow of Vancouver. The odds of finishing high school are against them, even though they live in a middle class environment and attend a good school. Statistics show that only four out of 10 Native teenagers who live on reserves complete their high school education.
These grade 10 and 11 students share their lives with CBC’s cameras and their own. We soon learn three of them are at risk for failing, and one of those is headed for serious trouble. At the close of the school year, the community, alarmed at what has been going on right on the Reserve, takes a dramatic step to protect its children.
Download the discussion guide, which includes previewing and post-viewing questions and extension activities.
The guide was developed by educator Carrie Reid; Lorna Williams, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge at the University of Victoria; and filmmaker Gary Marcuse.
The guide was developed by educator Carrie Reid; Lorna Williams, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge at the University of Victoria; and filmmaker Gary Marcuse.
