Strength and Struggle: Perspectives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada is part of McGraw-Hill Ryerson’s iLit Collection of supplementary student resources for high school English courses. This title is a 149-page, soft-cover book that includes a rich array of short stories, poetry, music lyrics, graphic art, articles, essays, and other pieces that will have students laughing, crying, talking, and thinking. It is a true celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis writing and art. This resource is designed to be appropriate for a grade 10 or 11 reader.

The multi-genre iLit Collection presents infinitely inspiring selections with high school student appeal, written specifically for iLit by Canadian authors such as Joseph Boyden, Mark Kingwell, Martha Brooks, and many more. Eight iLit student resources will be published in print form in 2011 and 2012. ELA educators also have many flexible options to build their own iLit student resources. iLit student resources can be purchased by searching and choosing from the selections available in the online iLit Digital Collection, and building customized print or digital resources for high school English courses – purchase only what you need and want! Visit www.iLit.ca to learn more.

East: First Perspectives


We’re More Than Just Beads and Feathers
Graphic novella by Jason EagleSpeaker


Footprints in the Snow

Poem by Nichola Batzel


A Raven Flies South

Short story by Gord Bruyere


An Uncertain Journey on a Jagged Road

Personal account by Forrest Rain Shapwaykeesic


Lessons from the Re-Creation Story

Essay by Deborah McGregor


South: Sharing Our Gifts


Walk to Morning

Speech by Joseph Boyden


I Am My Grandmother

Graphic journal by Nadia McLaren


E5-770, My Mother’s Name

Song lyrics by Lucie Idlout


3740166701

Poem by John Adrian McDonald


The Amazing Sense of Shake

Short story by Cherie Dimaline


From Chef Kai’s Kitchen

Autobiography and recipe by Kai Zyganuik


spiders

Poem by Sharron Proulx-Turner


Waawaate Fobister: A Shining Star

Biography by Lisa Charleyboy


West: Taking a Stand


My Whole Life Going Home

Poem by Al Hunter


The Animal People Choose a Leader

Short story by Richard Wagamese


Protect Our Land: A Youth Perspective

Personal account by Darryl Sainnawap


Protect Our Land: A Chief’s Perspective

Article by Joyce Atcheson


Changes in the Indian Act

Graphic art by Chris Bose


Untitled

Photograph by Nadya Kwandibens


Mystery Girl
Poetry by Louise B. Halfe—Sky Dancer


Culture by Design

Autobiography by Ronald Everett Green


Dibenimiisowin [To Own Ourselves]

Speech and personal essay by Niigonwedom James Sinclair


Truth and Reconciliation

Speech by Justice Murray Sinclair


North:The People’s Wisdom


The Trial of Duncan C. Scott

Graphic art by Chris Bose


We Found Somebody

Newspaper article by Maurice Switzer


The Biggest Moccasins in the World

Short story by Richard Van Camp


Story of the Dream Catcher

Essay by Xavier Kataquapit


Innovations

Artwork by Elliott Doxtater-Wynn


From Earth to Sky: Everything We Need Is Right Here

Painting by Christi Belcourt


We said to Inuit, “Tell us your history”

Interview with Justice James Igloliorte


Heroes

Rap lyrics by Wab Kinew


Glossary

Credits

Each selection in Strength and Struggle: Perspectives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada features:

• An author biography and photograph at the beginning of the selection to bring the author to life for the reader

• Before Reading activities that allow the reader to activate prior knowledge, make predictions, set goals for reading, and preview the text

• During Reading activities and questions to support the reader’s comprehension, attention to text structure, integration of prior knowledge, and confirmation, rejection, or modification of before-reading predictions

• Tips in the margin, focused on vocabulary and grammar

• “What inspired me to write this selection?”, where the author summarizes his or her intention in writing the selection, helping students in the critical analysis of the selection itself, as well as providing an excellent example of metacognition

• After Reading activities, where students are asked “Reading for Meaning,” “Critical Literacy,” “Student Voice,” “Understanding Form and Style,” “Listening and Speaking,” and “Metacognition” questions

• Beyond Reading activities that pose extension questions, which may be used for assessment of learning or a way to differentiate instruction

• Visual Elements in every selection that may be in the form of art or photographs to support visual literacy

• A Glossary of Literary Terms, which appears at the end of the book.