Loss of Indigenous Rights

by | Feb 25, 2026

Have students give examples from the text that highlight the loss of Indigenous rights in connection to the Indian Act. e.g., Residential schools — all Indigenous children in Canada had to attend residential school. Nipishish and Pinamen had to attend residential...

Similar Experience

by | Feb 25, 2026

In the story, Nipishish is made to attend residential school and is told and made to feel that he is good for nothing. Ask students: Have you heard of any other residential school survivor stories that relate to this experience? Explain.

Changes in Your Community

by | Feb 25, 2026

In the book Good for Nothing, Nipishish and his community are concerned about the development that is taking place in their community without their consultation. Ask students: Can you think of something that has happened in your community where you have been in a...

Importance of The Circle to Indigenous Peoples

by | Feb 25, 2026

“Could it be that Indians are in trouble? That they are getting in the white people’s way? Could there be someone somewhere — this all-powerful government, for example — who wants to exterminate the Indians?” (page 31) Have students sit together in a circle and...