Weight: 15%
Critically assess the graphic novel 7 Generations and its depiction of Edwin's life as it relates to
colonialism, systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and cultural genocide. You must pay particular
attention to the role of resocialization within the Residential School system (Brym, 2021, pp. 102-103).
Length of Essay: 800-1000 words
Font: Size 12, Times New Roman
Please submit your essay on Brightspace
This assignment is NOT A SUMMARY of the graphic novel.
Seven generations is a concept used by many Indigenous groups to emphasize the importance of
healing as a result of colonial atrocities imposed on previous generations. The concept also highlights the
necessity of healing to ensure that future generations avoid similar issues facing Indigenous communities
today (Moran & Bussey, 2007).
Essay Question
Considering Residential Schools as total institutions, how is resocialization employed in the Canadian
Residential School system, and how is it depicted in the novel? Why are the intergenerational effects of
Residential Schools still with us today? Consider the role of cultural genocide in your essay and provide
examples from the novel to support your arguments.
Sources
For this essay, you must employ the following five sources to develop your arguments (including
the graphic novel). Do not simply cite/quote the articles in passing. Read each source and develop your
arguments based on the information provided. Make sure you provide examples from the novel to support
your arguments! E-copies of the articles are available on Brightspace. You can still purchase the graphic
novel at the bookstore or on Amazon/Kindle. I also placed five copies of the novel on reserve. You must
employ all five sources in your paper:
Brym, R. J., Strohschein, L., & Kampen, K. (2021). Sociology: Compass for a new social world (7th ed.).
Cengage.
• Cite the textbook to explain the role of resocialization and total institutions in the Residential
School system (pp 102-103).
Cohen, R. Z. (2016a). Chapter 3, Stolen Children Stolen Languages, Canada's First Nations and Cultural
Genocide (pp. 22-30) The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Cohen, R. Z. (2016b). Chapter 4, A Day at School, Canada's First Nations and Cultural Genocide (pp. 31-
38). The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Robertson, D. & Henderson, S. B. (2012). 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga. Portage & Main Press.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Introduction, Final Report of the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.
Summary. Volume One. James Lorimer Limited, Publishers. p. 1-22.
Writing Prompts
The following prompts may assist you in writing your paper. Do not provide an answer for each
question/prompt. Instead, use some of them as a guide to develop your arguments.
• What was the purpose of the Residential School system?
• What are some of the experiences of students within the Residential School system?
• Consider the role of total institutions, like the Residential School system, and resocialization
efforts by colonial authorities (government, churches, school admin, teachers, etc.).
• What can be said about the establishment of Residential Schools and the resulting cultural
genocide?
• Why is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission important?
• Consider intergenerational trauma as seen in Edwin's life and the lives of tens of thousands who
attended Residential Schools.
• Consider the importance of family and community in Edwin's life and the lives of his ancestors.
How did colonial practices impact them?
General Guidelines
Remember that a thesis statement is required for this assignment and must be adequately supported
using examples from the novel and the articles. Your thesis statement should appear at the end of your
introduction. Employ citations when you quote or paraphrase. DO NOT use blockquotes (quotes that
are longer than 35 words). APA or MLA are acceptable styles to use when citing. Remember to provide
a title page and a works cited (MLA) / references (APA) page.
You will be graded on:
• A coherent and robust thesis statement.
• Your ability to comprehensively answer the essay question with clarity.
• Proper development of arguments that supports your thesis statement.
• Relevance to the novel and articles.
• Writing style and paper formatting according to your preferred style guide (APA/MLA).
Late Policy
Late papers will be deducted a total of 5% per business day to a maximum of 5 business days. No
papers will be accepted after five business days without appropriate medical documentation or personal
extenuating circumstances.