Ask students to describe their communities and where they live. This could include their families, neighbors, as well as a description of the natural world around them. Then, introduce the following quote from writer, linguist, and activist Helena Norberg-Hodge. In her book, Ancient Futures, Norberg-Hodge writes about her experiences with traditional cultures and their connection to the natural world:

“A sense of place means helping ourselves and our children to see the living environment around us: reconnecting with the sources of our food, perhaps even growing some of our own, and learning to appreciate the cycles of seasons and the characteristics of the flora and fauna. Ultimately, this involves a spiritual awakening that comes from making a connection with others, and with nature. It requires us to see the world within us—to experience more consciously the great interdependent web of life, of which we ourselves are part.”

Ask students what they think about this quote. Do they feel connected to the place they live? Why or why not? What connects them to this place?

Tell students they will be watching a film, The Last Ice Merchant, about an ice miner, named Baltazar Ushca, who is the last of his profession. His work includes climbing Mt. Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador, slicing ice from the frozen glaciers, and carrying it to market on his donkeys. Explain that due to a variety of cultural and geographic factors, particularly the advent of refrigeration, ice mining is a vanishing profession.

Direct students to observe Baltazar and his two brothers—Gregorio and Juan—while watching the film. Before watching the film, share the following questions with students: What does Baltazar enjoy about his family tradition of ice mining? How do Baltazar and his brothers feel about this disappearing profession?

After viewing the film, lead a discussion with such questions as:

• How long has Baltazar Ushca been working as an ice miner? (Answer: 52 years.)
• Using the film as evidence, make a list of the reasons why the fresh Mt. Chimborazo ice has become unpopular in the town. (Answers include: refrigeration allows people to make their own ice, and factory ice is cheaper than Chimborazo ice.)
• The Chimborazo area is part of a larger region that holds the poorest population in Ecuador and offers few new job opportunities. The film explores Baltazar and his two brothers'—Gregorio and Juan—perspectives. What decisions did Gregorio and Juan have to make in order to make a living?
• Baltazar has a unique relationship to his work, community, and to nature. If you were to choose three words to summarize his relationship to each, which words would you choose?
• Many indigenous cultures around the world are under threat due to climate change and technological advancements. Cultures like the nomads of Tibet, Alaska Eskimo, indigenous South Americans, and many Native North American people are losing their unique traditions that create community and connection to the land. In Ecuador, approximately 25 to 30 percent of the population belong to an indigenous group, where they maintain a close relationship with the land. How is this relationship depicted in the film?
• In an interview, Baltazar describes, "I am happy when I walk. Father Chimborazo looks after me." Is there a place in nature that you feel connected to? If so, describe this place.
• Patch describes Baltazar in an interview: "He's this relic of an era that doesn't exist anymore."* A "relic" can be defined as "a trace of some past or outmoded practice, custom, or belief," according to Merriam-Webster. Do you agree that Baltazar might be a "relic" of another era? Why or why not? What insights might Baltazar provide for future generations?
• Director Sandy Patch explains that the goal of the film "was to share a story of cultural change and indigenous lifestyle with people that would never otherwise have been introduced to it. It was important to me to portray the characters as the dignified people that they are and to show the very human story of their circumstances."** Do you think it's important for viewers around the world to learn about Baltazar, his culture, and his disappearing profession? Why or why not? What might be gained from learning about Baltazar's life and culture?

Give students one of the following reflective writing prompts to demonstrate their understanding of the story. (Note for teachers: Just as quotes from a book or text are used to prove an analytical thought, students use the film to justify their reasoning.)

1. Choose one of the disappearing professions from this Time Magazine article. Imagine that this is your occupation. Your profession is now being phased out due to the technological advances described in the article. Describe the value of your job and why your profession should not be phased out. How does your job benefit you, the local community, the natural world, and the world, if appropriate? Include information about the technological advances that are replacing your job. Take note that you may also need to conduct additional online research about this profession. Write 2-3 paragraphs and make sure to document any outside sources, if used. (C3.D2.His.3.9-12)
2. In The Last Ice Merchant, Baltazar says, "People don't miss something until it's gone." Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Write an essay, 2-3 paragraphs, describing the meaning of this statement. Include an example from your own personal life, community, or world-at-large to support your point of view. Why do you think we don't miss something, or value it, until it is gone? Is there an activity in your life that you would miss if it were no longer accessible to you? (CCSS.ELA.SL.11-12.1.c)
3. In the early 1970's, historian and broadcaster Studs Terkel traveled around the United States and interviewed people about their jobs. Listen to this 5-minute interview Terkel conducted with Sharon Griggins, a 17-year-old telephone operator in Illinois. The interview jumps to Griggins later in her life. She said, "Automation is great in today's world, but it's hard to automate everyone's wishes and wants. We've all had those situations where all you want to do is talk to somebody and all you have is a list of menu options." First, what do you think about this interview? What comparisons/contrasts can you make from Griggins's younger self to her older self? Next, what do you think about the above quote from Griggins? Describe from your own experience what can get lost when technology is overused, replacing human elements. In a short essay, describe your answers. (C3.D2.Geo.2.9-12)