Lesson One: Mumilaaq Qaqqaq
85
Lesson One: Mumilaaq Qaqqaq
Activity: Mock Class Debate
CURRICULUM
CONNECTIONS
Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut:
•Aboriginal Studies Grades 10-12
•English Language Arts Grades 10-12
•English Language Arts Grades 10, 11, 12: Uqausiliriniq Strand
•Social Studies Grades 10,11, 12
•Social Studies Grades 10,11, 12: Nunavusiutit
•Aulajaaqtut Grades 10, 11, 12
British Columbia and Yukon:
•Contemporary Indigenous Studies Grade 12
•English Language Arts Composition Grades 10, 11, 12
•English Language Arts First Peoples Grade 12
•Exploration in Social Studies Grade 11
•Law Studies Grade 12
•Political Studies Grade 12
•Social Justice Grade 12
•Social Studies Grade 10
Ontario:
•Canadian and International Politics, University Preparation, Grade 12
•Civics (Politics) Grade 10
•First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Studies Grades 9-12
•English Language Arts Grades 9-10
•English Language Arts Grades 11-12
•Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice, Grade 11
•Equity and Social Justice, From Theory to Practice, Grade 12
•Issues in Canadian Geography, Applied, Grade 9
•Politics in Action, Open, Grade 11
•The Environment and Resource Management, Grade 12
DURATION
1 hour
OVERVIEW
In this lesson, students will explore the topics of Inuit leadership, impacts of Indigenous represen-
tation in Parliament, and social issues impacting Indigenous and northern communities. Students
will watch a video of Mumilaaq Qaqqaq's final House of Commons speech. In her speech, Mumi-
laaq talks about how she did not feel safe or how she belonged in Parliament. The video is an
empowering, thought-provoking speech about the microaggressions that Inuit people (and other
BIPOC people) face in politics.
Students will watch Mumilaaq Qaqqaq's interview with Fireside Chats. Mumilaaq Qaqqaq is
an Inuk woman, Member of Parliament, and human rights defender. Elected in 2019, Mumilaaq
recently (June 2021) announced that she will not be running for re-election. Mumilaaq has been
fighting for adequate housing, clean water and food security in Nunavut and other northern com-
munities in Canada. Students will then participate in a mock debate about clean water in northern
communities. Students will be assessed by peer feedback and evaluation, as well as a self-reflec-
tion sheet.
MATERIALS
•Computer Access and Projector
•"Group Evaluation" Rubric
•"Peer Evaluation Feedback Form" (Optional)
•"Class Debate Self-Reflection"
•Debate Information Sides A and B Print-Outs (Optional)
•Writing Instruments (Pencils, Pens, etc.)
Elected Ocials
