The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book Resource Reflection

Cory Kremer

University of Calgary
 Executive Summary and Critical Analysis

The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book by Gord Hill (2010) characterizes the

militaristic conflicts between the Indigenous peoples of the Americas against colonialism from

1492 to the present. Hill divides this history into four parts: (1) invasion, (2) resistance, (3)

assimilation, and (4) renewed resistance. Militaristic conflicts between indigenous cultures that

are or have been found across the entirety of the Americas are categorized into these parts, and

graphically portrayed in a graphic novel or comic book format over the span of 87 pages.

Depictions of these conflicts include graphic illustrations of combat and the atrocities committed

by and to, both Indigenous and colonialist/imperialist peoples.

Within the preface of the resource, Hill identifies as a warrior, an activist, and a member

of the Kwakwaka’wakw nation. He indicates that the main objective of the resource is to support

the narrative of Indigenous peoples as an active resistance to colonialism and imperialism. Hill

effectively develops this narrative, however, does so to the detriment of non-violent forms of

resistance (Brophy 2017). For example, in Hill’s depiction of the Oka Crisis he touches on non-

violent resistance as manifested in “protests and petitions” [71]. However, these aspects of

resistance are quickly overshadowed by a large frame that illustrates the use of “tear gas and

automatic weapons” [71]. Brophy (2017) points out that such depictions fail to articulate varied

indigenous views on non-violence citing the Six Nation’s “Great Law of Peace” as evidence.

The consensus amongst reviews on the resource indicate that the events portrayed were

portrayed accurately, conveyed few errors, and in a balanced manner (Kulchyski, 2010; Ziniuk,

2010; Carlton, 2011). Although some criticism was directed at the resource for the large

historical gaps between episodes and the simplistic nature in which these episodes were

presented (“The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book”, n.d.). Hill accurately depicts a multitude
of indigenous cultures, and in doing so provides a framework to view the events that occurred

across Americas as part of a more unified Indigenous history, while managing to showcase the

cultural diversity of Indigenous peoples (Kulchyski, 2010).

In many aspects, Hill delivers a balanced, historically accurate, and culturally authentic

perspective on Indigenous resistance to colonialism globally. However, the perspective examined

in this resource is limited because it is focused on violent forms of resistance, and the militaristic

aspects of the cultures examined.

Practical Classroom Applications

The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book is a resource that we would argue should be

included in classroom learning. However, we recommend that educators make some

considerations before introducing this Indigenous resource into their classrooms.

Due to the graphic content and accessible format, we anticipate that learners will

primarily respond to the visuals presented in the resource (Carlton, 2011). However, despite

Hill’s intentions of choosing a “format [that] is useful in reaching children, youth, and adults” [6]

this resource is not appropriate for most young children. The scenes depicted, while historically

accurate and vital to the themes of the comic (Kulchyski, 2010), contain graphic portrayals of

violence including: murder, rape, and mutilation. Such mature content is more appropriate for

older students. Although every classroom is unique, we agree with existing grade

recommendations (“The 500 Years of Resistance (Graphic Novel)”, n.d.) of introducing this

resource in high school environments, possibly grade nine at the earliest.

The resource covers a large historical period and a multitude of historical contexts and

can therefore overwhelm readers with generalized content (“The 500 Years of Resistance Comic

Book”, n.d.). In order to mitigate these effects, we agree with Kulchyski (2010) in that educators
should use individual frames or episodes in the resource as an initial point of conversation to

engage learners in relevant topics.

In our own examination of this resource we found ourselves (both of European descent)

identifying with European victims. This initial reaction has been observed at the university level,

where students tended to react to the graphic depictions in the resource and develop an “us”

versus “them” perspective (Brophy, 2017). Brophy (2017) questions as to whether the

polarization, induced by the graphic images is effective in encouraging critical thinking and

analysis of this resource and the larger issues it entails. We offer a word of caution regarding

introducing this resource as the sole perspective on the conflicts of colonialism.

Educators therefore need to use this resource with others to develop a more balanced

portrayal of Indigenous peoples. The graphic nature of this resource engages learners and

portrays immense detriments of violent conflict; explicitly demonstrating how the violence of the

past has deep consequences that can span for generations. Supplementary mediums that highlight

other non-militaristic aspects of Indigenous culture would aid students in developing a holistic

schema of “who” Indigenous peoples are and the forms active resistance can take in the future.
 References

Brophy, S. (2017). Learning with The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book in a Cultural Studies

Course. The Journal of the Autobiography Society, 32(1), 106-110.

Carleton, S. (2011). Review of The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book, by Gord Hill. Left

History, 15(2), 120-122.

Hill , G. (2010). The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book. Vancouver British Columbia:

Arsenal Pulp Publishing.

Kulchyski, P . (2010). [A Review of Gord Hill's The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book].

Socialist Studies, 6(2), 180-182.

The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book. (n.d.). Retrieved from:

https://quillandquire.com/review/the-500-years-of-resistance-comic-book/

The 500 Year Resistance (Graphic Novel). (n.d.). Retrieved from:

https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_display.php?i=4193&f=3110,3,1813

Ziniuk, T. (2010, March 11). Review: The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book by Gord Hill.

Retrieved from: https://this.org/2010/03/11/500-years-of-resistance-comic-book-gord-

hill/