In this personal documentary, award-winning photographer and filmmaker Nance Ackerman invites us into the lives of a determined family for a profound experience of child poverty in one of the richest countries in the world. 20 years after the House of Commons promised to eliminate poverty among Canadian children, 8-year-old Isaiah is trying hard to grow up healthy, smart and well adjusted despite the odds stacked against him. Isaiah knows he's been categorized as "less fortunate," and his short life has seen more than his share of social workers, food banks and police interventions. His parents struggle to overcome a legacy of stereotypes, abuse and dysfunction. More than anything, they want Isaiah and his siblings to have access to opportunities they never had. Ackerman spent 2 years with Isaiah and his family. As her portrait of the family unfolds with the help of Isaiah's creative input, curiosity and zest for life, so do Ackerman's own feelings about the responsibilities of Canadians to raise all children as our best investment in the nation's future.
Ages 15 to 16
Ethics and Religious Culture - Ethical Values
Family Studies/Home Economics - Family Diversity and Challenges
Students will volunteer their time at a local food bank and write about their experiences while documenting how the food bank helps their community. Students will chart and research poverty in their community/province/country and compare statistics with another country. Students will plan a grocery list based on a specified amount given by the teacher, to feed a family of four or five for one week. Students will create a budget and describe their food choices/meals in writing or through imagery.