Identity & Belonging
What does the word identity mean?
Who you are — shaped by family, culture, and experience.
What is a worldview?
The way people see and understand the world.
What does “bias” mean in media?
A one-sided or unfair portrayal of a person or group.
Why is storytelling important in Indigenous cultures?
It passes down teachings, history, and values.
Who are the two main characters in The Dreamkeeper?
Shane (the grandson) and Grandpa Pete.
Name one way Indigenous peoples express belonging in their community.
Through family, language, ceremonies, or connection to land.
What does Inuuqatigiitsiarniq mean in Inuit worldview?
Respecting others, relationships, and caring for people.
Name one common stereotype about Indigenous peoples.
“Noble savage,” “violent warrior,” “drunken Indian,” etc.
What is the role of the trickster in stories?
To teach lessons through humor, mistakes, and consequences.
Name one traditional story shared within the movie.
Eagle Boy, The Star Boy, The Quillworker, The Crow and the Buffalo, etc.
What are the three Indigenous groups recognized in Canada’s Constitution?
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
Inuit make group decisions through discussion and agreement. What is this principle called?
Aajiiqatigiinniq — decision-making through consensus.
What is the difference between bias and authentic representation?
Bias distorts or stereotypes; authentic representation shows real, diverse voices.
Name one famous trickster figure from Indigenous stories.
Wisakedjak (Cree), Nanabush (Anishinaabe), or Raven (Inuit/Northwest Coast).
What does the film teach about the role of Elders in Indigenous cultures?
Elders pass on wisdom and connect youth to cultural teachings.
How does belonging connect to Indigenous worldview?
Belonging comes from relationships — to land, people, and spirit.
Name one value found in Indigenous worldview that supports community harmony.
Respect, balance, kindness, humility, or reciprocity.
Why does authentic Indigenous media matter?
It allows Indigenous peoples to tell their own stories and shape their identity.
What did wisakeyjdak teach the loons and geese in the story?
A new dance
Why does Shane agree to drive his grandfather to the All Nations Powwow?
To avoid trouble with gang members and to help his grandfather.
What is one example of a kinship teaching in Indigenous culture?
in Indigenous culture?Grandparent teachings, clan systems, or family-based responsibilities.
How does Indigenous worldview differ from Western worldview?
Indigenous worldview is relational and holistic; Western worldview is often individualistic and material-based.
Name one Indigenous creator or show that promotes authentic representation.
Reservation Dogs, Trickster, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Tantoo Cardinal, Notorious Cree, etc.
What was the tree hollow used as in the Metis story of the giving tree?
As a cache, resources to help metis families
How does the road trip itself become a metaphor for life and learning?
metaphor for life and learning?It represents a journey of growth, discovery, and reconnection.