How have power dynamics influenced the development of Canada? To learn the answer to this question read my blog post about power and how one man had a great impact on the history of Canada.
Our driving question for this unit – How does power alter relationships between individuals and societies?
This past unit in humanities we have learned about a man of history, Louis Riel. He is known for his political leadership in the Métis group of the Canadian Prairies. As well as being one of the founding fathers of the province, Manitoba. He was also the leader of two rebellions against the government of Canada and its first post-Confederation prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.
How might we explain the power dynamics of Canada through an easy to follow animation?
To showcase our learning during this unit we were asked to create a 2-3 minute animation about a powerful person in Canadian history.
I chose Marry Ann Shadd Cary, she was a very powerful and influential anti slavery activist, publisher, teacher, lawyer and more.
During my animation I focused on her anti slavery activism and teaching.
I started by gathering information and creating a document about her during her time and what she did.
From here I wrote a story from the perspective of her so in my animation Is was like she was telling her story. This is the story I wrote about her life and all the true events that had happened…
My name is Marry Ann Shadd Cary and this is the story of my fight for power.
Long ago my family moved to Pennsylvania because of a new law that banned all African American children to be educated in the state of Delaware. In Pennsylvania I moved away and went to boarding school. In 1840 after being away at school, I moved to West Chester where I started teaching and established a school for children of colour. I taught at schools all over such as in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and New York City. In 1850 about ten years after I established my school, the United States threatened to return free northern people of colour and escaped slaves back into slavery. I moved to Canada where I settled in Windsor, Ontario. In Windsor I established an integrated school for children and published a pamphlet called “Notes on Canada West” which was a plea for emigration. My pamphlet talked about the benefits and opportunities of having people of colour in our neighbourhood. I also edited a newspaper called “The Provincial Freeman” and became the first female editor in North America and the first woman of colour editor in Canada.
Growing up my family’s home was often used as a refuge for escaped slaves, and my parents would help people escape using the Underground Railroad. I wanted to create change just like my parents did. My fight for change gave me power and a voice that empowered other African American people.
After finishing my story I got to work on my animation. I started by creating a storyboard:
Once I finished my storyboard I got started on my animation. It was very time consuming but I got it done and am very proud of my final product.
Watch the video below…
The Debate (Villain vs. Hero)
To some Riel is a great leader and hero, however to others he is seen as a horrible villain. We had an in class debate with two sides, pro and con, to argue wether Louis Riel is a villain or a hero. I was put on the pro side of the debate. Our side prepared for a few days before and decided everyone’s speaking time. I had speaking time in the middle as well as the closing statement. The debate was super fun and both sides gave great arguments. Our side (pro) won the debate by one point however either side could have won.
In the end everyone has a different opinion and it is still a debate today, wether Louis Riel was a hero or a villain.
Overall it was a very successful project and I am quite happy with the work that I completed.
Go check out Aedan’s blog post and animation he created about his power person, John Franklin.