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ARTS & CULTURE Horizon features a wide range of artistic and cultural practices in Canada — from Acadian dancing to Haida carving, ice sailing to Bhangra dancing, throat singing to figure skating. The filmmakers intended to represent the diversity of arts and culture in Canada, and celebrate multiculturalism. Look critically at the film’s portrayal of arts and culture in Canada, including the significance of what is shown, and what is not. 1. CANADIAN CULTURE — Brainstorming Activity Culture is the collection of attitudes, beliefs, customs and ways of life of a specific group. It is not static and can change in societies over time. Culture is communicated in many ways, including language, rituals, institutions, food, music, and art. Culture is experienced and lived but also taught. When have you learned something about another culture? Think about your experiences at school, in your community, what you have observed in popular culture, or

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (courtesy SESQUI, Inc.)

what you have seen travelling. What are some benefits of learning about other cultures? a) As a class, create a mind map on the board with examples of what Canadian culture means. b) Culture is depicted in Horizon in the following forms:

• DANCE & PERFORMANCE ART • MUSIC • VISUAL ART • SPORT • LANGUAGE

» » Choose one of these forms to explore, or choose another that occurs to you that was not represented in the film. Read about your selected form of cultural expression on The Canadian Encyclopedia . » » Consider how your selected form of cultural expression is portrayed in Horizon or reflect upon why it was not included. What message do you think the inclusion or exclusion of particular cultural depictions sends to the viewer?

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EXTENSION:

Five Totem Poles (Dreamstime.com/Jerry Coli/45960383)

NOTE TO TEACHERS: THIS ACTIVITY MAY OPEN UP AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS CULTURAL APPROPRIATION. AS A CLASS, DISCUSS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHARING AND APPROPRIATING CULTURE. What are some stereotypes of Canadian culture? Consider art, dance, literature, music, food, sport, etc. ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY:

La Baie en Joie Traditional Acadian Step Dancers (courtesy SESQUI, Inc.)

Ghost Lake Sailing Club (courtesy SESQUI, Inc.)

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