This short film retraces the life of Herman Smith Johannsen – the man who introduced the sport of cross-country skiing to Canadians. From past to present, his life story is portrayed through pictures from sports newsreels, Norwegian archives and his family album. The film catches up with him at both the Canadian Ski Marathon, where he is the honoured guest, and on a return trip to his native Norway.
Ages 9 to 11
Diversity - Diversity in Communities
English Language Arts - Journalism
Family Studies/Home Economics - Relationships
History and Citizenship Education - Population and Settlement (1608-present)
Students can use documentary as a stepping stone to research other Canadian pioneers, in winter sport, and/or immigrants who have contributed to Canada today through sport, inventions, community, etc. Students can create a map of the Laurentians mountains in Quebec, area where Jack Rabbit lived; report history of cross-country skiing in Canada; look up local heroes/monuments/street/signs/arenas etc., and research person named after. Research own grandparents - their life, contribution to their family/communities with a timeline and bibliography.