The Women of the Fur Trade at the Regina Globe Theatre
Sask DLC teachers, Ochapowace First Nation students, along with their vice principal and teacher, attended a performance of The Women of the Fur Trade at the Regina Globe Theatre.
This learning opportunity deepened students' understanding of concepts from their Adult Basic Education courses while authentically incorporating Indigenous culture and language. It also fostered a sense of community between students and staff.
Reflection from Ochapawace First Nation School Vice-Principal:
"The trip to the Globe was fantastic on so many levels. Not many of the students had been to live theatre (other than the Christmas Concert) before so that was a big win for everyone just as a starter.
I thought the play was brilliant. By putting the issues of the day in the late 1800's into a modern 'celebrity focus', the play relatable. Even if you weren't familiar with the Riel Resistance you were able to get a grasp of the stakes involved and the challenges that the women faced. We all know strong women have always been a part of the picture, but this play brought them to the forefront. All of the students were so impressed with the play and as shy as they were they appreciated the opportunity to meet their teachers in person. I really think that hearing your personal stories helped them see you as people with lives outside of the classroom, with experiences that help you see them and appreciate their stories. It was really a win in Truth and Reconciliation for me. Any time we can visit with our neighbors is a good thing."
Reflection from Sask DLC student:
"At the beginning of the play, it made me kind of angry knowing that this is how colonization all started. I felt that Cecilia, the white settler woman, wasn't very open to Marie-Angelique, the Métis woman, nor Eugenia the First Nations woman. Later there was a time in the play that all three women expressed their friendship for another that kept them close and helped them to understand each other better."
Reflection from Sask DLC student:
"Seeing the play with my own eyes was more exciting. I found the characters played an excellent role and being able to see it up front and personal was a better experience than just reading the play. I could analyze better what was going on with each character and their situations. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the way that the portraits played a role in the play. I also enjoyed the fighting scenes. It led me to doing some research on how Thomas Scott was killed as it didn't really explain it."
Reflection from Sask DLC teacher:
"It presented some really hard truths about colonization and its lasting impact. I appreciated the meal we shared after the play and especially enjoyed meeting the students and listening to the reactions to the play as everyone present introduced themselves and shared their thoughts and reactions. It was a humbling experience as it helped me react to the play from a different viewpoint."
