This short documentary by Alanis Obomsawin tells the story of Kahentiiosta, a young Kahnawake Mohawk woman arrested after the Oka Crisis' 78-day armed standoff in 1990. She was detained 4 days longer than the other women. Her crime? The prosecutor representing the Quebec government did not accept her Indigenous name.
Ages 15 to 17
Diversity - Identity
Health/Personal Development - Identity
A woman prefers her Mohawk name to her “Canadian” name. Children give names to their dolls and stuffed toys; people name their cats and dogs… “What’s in a name?” Juliet asked Romeo. Starting with “My name is…,” sing the praises of your first name: who chose it and why? Do a Web search to enrich your presentation (origin, celebrities with the same name, songs that mention it, etc.). Convince your classmates that your name is the nicest, because it’s yours.