Indigenous Content | The Grizzlies | Film Questions and Discussion (with Rubric)

This resource includes 16 pause and reflect film viewing questions, 3 deeper thinking end of film discussion questions, and a discussion rubric.

The 16 film viewing questions are broken down into the following:

• 5 connection questions
• 5 inference questions
• 5 thematic questions
• 1 close reading question

The 3 final discussion questions address:

• acknowledging the darkness
• highlighting the strength
• finding the light

The rubric is divided into the following categories:

• content - the ability to provide insightful ideas supported with evidence
• contribution - the ability to respectfully exchange and expand ideas

Rationale:

This set of timestamped viewing questions along with follow up deeper discussion questions is designed to encourage students to thinking about the historical, geographical, and social context that shapes young Indigenous lives.

Differentiation:

To meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all students the product is designed to allow for both whole class viewing with group intermittent discussions OR independent viewing and answering. There is an option to print the questions as a flip book where students will work in groups to stop and discuss as they view OR to print off the questions (with timestamps and scene markers) for students to work independently.

Story Overview:

The Grizzlies is an inspiring story based on real life events. It takes a realistic look at life in Canada's remote arctic. It addresses dark themes of intergenerational trauma and mental health* while still showing the beauty, strength, and resilience within Indigenous Peoples.

The film is available to stream on Netflix, APTN Lumi, and CBC (with ads).

*The film has a positive overall message but does depict the suicide epidemic currently ongoing in Canada's arctic. Trigger warnings with time stamps are provided. Please pre-screen to determine if this film is right for your class.

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