Documentary and cinema is education at its heart. Documentary is an educational tool. Many of our films are lesson plans that jump off the page. In the Dene communities of far-northern Manitoba; and also in villages of Nunavut, Code has combined visual storytelling with teaching to help reconnect traditions, culture and language- starting in the early 1970s. See the 40lb. Sony “Portopack” at Tadoule Lake Summer Camp in 1973 in the picture at left with the late Effy Powderhorn and Caroline Thorassie.

There were no generators. The grid was hundreds of miles away. A huge well-charged truck battery was the power supply that had to last nearly a month. With these tools we recorded a pivotal chapter in the lives of the Sayisi Dene; who were just returning to their land after almost two decades of discrimination, societal upheaval and suffering on the edges of a Northern town.

In the early 80s I became a teacher as well as a filmmaker; combining these twin approaches to awareness in original curriculum. We aimed to bring to children and teens informed reflection of the world around them- starting with shared identity they have inherited. The goal is not only to teach skills; but to bring oral history and TK into the classroom; and to bring students out of the classroom into immersive experiences. This process is built upon relevance.

Short films can work as “lesson starters” that engage students with story. A lesson starter should be short- otherwise it is just screen-time babysitting. All 14 chapters of Yukon Unwritten are short; six to eight minutes; the perfect length for a “lesson-starter” on a variety of subjects. This documentary and its chapters are an anthology of related stories.

Each one of these 14 chapters in Yukon Unwritten is the potential foundation of a teachable unit; ready to link story to an existing curriculum- or become the inspiration for a new relatable curriculum that will teach concepts and create understanding through relevant examples.

Every region and community has its own identity. Our democracies need shared perceptions of what is true. This series, created for Yukon but applicable anywhere is meant as an example of what might be done to expand any teaching environment using the tools and selfless attitudes of good documentary in combination with good teaching methodology and enthusiasm.

We’re happy to present discount codes, free films, and educational film bundles for educators, tutors, professors alike. Simply drop us a line below about who you are, Please tell us what you teach, and how our films may be of use to you as “lesson starters” and we’ll be happy to have that discussion.

Check out our films below, or get in touch and we’ll recommend films based on your curriculum and educator goals.