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Black History Month Resources: NFB

Videos, kits, and novels to support teaching Black History Month (February)

Exploring Black Communities in Canada Through Film

Blog - explanation and preview of selected study guide pages

Study Guide - Ages 13+, requires signing in to NFB CAMPUS. Create an account for the first time here (staff only). 

Stateless (Film with Mini-Lessons)

Stateless - Ages14+ - Guiding Question: What kind of responsibility do we have to fight anti-Blackness?

Focus on Black Filmmakers

Channel - 25 films, all freely available

Black Soul (Animated Film)

Black Soul, Martine Chartrand, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Martine Chartrand’s animated short dives into the heart of Black culture with an exhilarating trip though history. Watch as a young boy traces his roots through the stories his grandmother shares with him about the events that shaped their cultural heritage.

Ninth Floor (Film with Mini-Lessons)

Ninth Floor - Ages 15-18 - Guiding Question: How do racism and discrimination affect quality of life, and how can I help foster greater social unity?

Joe (Animated Film)

Joe, Jill Haras, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

This animated short tells the story of Seraphim "Joe" Fortes, one of Vancouver's most beloved citizens. Born in the West Indies, Joe Fortes swam in English Bay for over than 30 years. A self-appointed lifeguard at first, he became so famous that the city of Vancouver finally rewarded him with a salary for doing what he loved best. He taught thousands of people to swim and saved over a hundred lives. Yet there were some who did not respect him because of his skin colour. Through his determination, kindness and love for children, Joe helped shift attitudes.