Assignment 5 - Rationale

Assignment 5 – Presentation Software
PowerPoint Presentation – Julia Borrelli
O’Siem – by Susan Aglukark

Rationale:

Every month at the Catholic school where I teach, we have a “Community Celebration” – a school-wide assembly, honouring students who have volunteered, helped out, or stood out in some way over the month. Each month it is the responsibility of one class to ‘direct’ this assembly – putting together all the thank you announcements and awards of recognition. For the month of March, it is my turn (along with my class) to organize the Community Assembly. Since it will take place during Race Relations week in Sioux Lookout, I thought it would be appropriate to present a slideshow to the entire school that represents anti-racism, togetherness, and cultural diversity.

The following PowerPoint presentation uses a song and lyrics by Susan Aglukark – a Canadian singer/song writer who infuses her music with Aboriginal culture and the Iniktitut language. The phrase “O’Siem” is a shout for joy in Inuktitut, and it’s a song that attempts to break down the barriers felt by many Native people. This presentation is something that I will show to the entire school during our Race Relations week in March; a week where we have different activities that will help break down the walls of racism and bring awareness to students and community members. Some activities that take place during Race Relations week at our school include bannock baking, Pow Wows, Smudge Ceremonies, and bringing Elders in from the community to talk about their experiences with Residential schools and the prejudices they feel.

Information about the Artist and Song:

“(Susan) Aglukark's lyrics have included personal stories and social commentary on issues such as child abuse, alcoholism and suicide that have plagued many First Nations communities. Her album This Child combined contemporary melodies, traditional Inuk chants, modern lyrics and Inuit culture and folklore. The song "O Siem" described some of the racism and prejudice in her community, and "Shamaya" combined folklore and personal observations to describe a traditional Inuit hunt. "Hina Na Ho" drew a striking analogy between the harsh Arctic winter and the challenges experienced by many people in northern Canada.”

(http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0003989)

Notes about the PowerPoint Presentation:

¤ At the time of submission, the song “O’Siem” plays through the entire slide show
¤ The slide transitions match with the lyrics (text) on each slide
¤ I am really hoping this works – and that you see what I see!