Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. The Haisla people are an Indigenous tribe living along Canada’s west coast. List five things you think might be true about the Haisla, labeling each “know for sure” or “just guessing.”

Teaching Suggestion: Monkey Beach is set among the Haisla people, and their cultural practices and beliefs figure heavily in its action. Students are unlikely to know much about the Haisla. This prompt is intended to help them acquire basic background knowledge that will help them interpret and engage with the story. After they attempt initial answers to this prompt, you might share some or all of the resources listed below to fill in any gaps in their knowledge.

• This article offers an in-depth discussion of the Haisla’s history and culture.
• These brief videos, created and hosted by the Haisla Nation, offer visual overviews of parts of Haisla territory: 2-minute video showing Kitamaat Village and the nearby waters; 1-minute video showing the Douglas Channel; 1-minute video showing totem poles and forested setting.