Inquiry: Talking about Indigenous rights through classroom debate

This fall, UBC professors may be looking for interesting ways to encourage their students to think about Indigenous rights. Inquiry is a hands-on exhibition that invites students to immerse themselves in the Berger Inquiry (1974-77).

Over three years,  a few dozen Dene and Inuvialiut young people, most of whom had just left residential schools, organized a movement to stop the construction of a natural gas pipeline through the Northwest Territories until their land claims were settled. They were successful in galvanizing people across Canada to support their demands – the beginning of the modern land claims movement.

The exhibition invites each student to read the first-person story of one of the participants. Then they put themselves in Judge Berger’s chair and negotiate recommendations. Finally, students can compare their solutions with those proposed by other high schools across Canada.

The curator, Drew Ann Wake, is offering workshops at Robson Square/UBC, weekdays from September 13 to 27. Professors can book by emailing wake@livewwwires.com.