Produced by the Indian Film Crew (IFC) for showing to fellow Indigenous peoples across North America, this film demonstrates the concept of self-help of the Indian Travelling College, an educational venture designed to teach Indigenous students what they want to know, be it business knowledge, handicrafts or marketing of products.
This short film would be ideal for discussion, projects or research on how the media can inform and unite, as well as spark action that fosters social justice and education. Considering the date this film was made, who would have seen it, and how likely is it that the message would have spread to Indigenous Nations across the country? What is the digital divide and how does this impact Indigenous communities? How can the media be an effective tool for disseminating messages of solidarity, rejuvenation, education and social justice? Further inquiry can include research on the history of education within First Nations contexts. Can First Nations have control over their own education on reserve and enact promising practices to help students achieve, while maintaining their cultural integrity? Do there continue to be barriers for academic achievement for Indigenous students, and if so, what are they?