Discussion: responsible storytelling
Here is a set of discussion questions on the theme of responsible storytelling.
You’ll need to spend some time with The Last Salmon Run story to answer these questions.
The questions will direct you to the correct part of the story.
Kwakwaka'wakw territory, Quatsino Sound
Several images in The Last Salmon Run, such as the one above, use captions to tell you (the reader 👀) which traditional territory the photograph was made. Why has the author done this? Discuss.
In chapter one, the “First Salmon Ceremony”, the author tells you about Canada’s residential school system. How does this history connect to the story of The Last Salmon Run?
The author of The Last Salmon Run is a white settler. Is it responsible that they tell the story of the impact of salmon decline on Indigenous peoples? Discuss.
What steps do you think a photographer should take, when attempting to tell the story of a minority? Make a list.
“When it comes to issues affecting Indigenous peoples, I feel like the news media provide me with a good idea of what’s going on.” Do you agree with this point of view? Discuss.
How has The Last Salmon Run influenced your idea of the importance of salmon to Coast Salish and Interior First Nations?
