Students will prepare a short (800-1000 word) response to one of either “Reel Injun,” “Searching for
Winnetou,” or “Dancing Around the Table.” Students should cite at least two (2) course readings in their
paper and must use proper citations following the popular referencing style of their choice (MLA, APA,
etc.). Papers will focus on issues of representation impacting Indigenous Peoples, and on how
Indigenous issues are framed and represented in the chosen documentary. This assignment is designed
to draw student’s attention to the importance of issues of representation and identity for Indigenous
Peoples in Canada. Assignments will be assessed for their level of analysis, engagement with course
themes and materials, and originality.
Some questions to ask yourself might include the following; How do popular representations of
Indigeneity, and Indigenous Peoples, affect popular opinions of Indigenous peoples, and how do those
representations affect Indigenous Peoples self-perception? In what ways do common stereotypes bleed
into portrayals of Indigenous Peoples and issues in the news media? How does the history of relations
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples affect contemporary perspectives of issues facing First
Nations, Inuit, and Métis? How do issues of representation affect notions of identity and belonging or
membership for Indigenous communities? Focus as tightly as you can on a single scene or idea that you
find compelling. Be specific and avoid generalizations wherever possible.