Contemporary Métis Beading

Students learn the importance of beading to the Métis people of Alberta, also known as the Flower Beadwork People. What are the beliefs, values and traditions in your community?  The Métis combined design elements of traditional First Nations quill work and European embroidery and beadwork to decorate their clothing and everyday items. They will learn a few basic beading and embroidery techniques to create their own piece.

 

Curriculum

• Social: Alberta’s geography, history and culture, Canada’s geography
• Science: Plant parts and their function, wetland ecosystems, forests and trees
• Learn about symbolism, beliefs and culture

 

Student Outcomes

• Create visual art that reflects the history or traditions of Alberta
• Learn about MEAM (Métis Ecological Arts Message) and why it is so important to respectfully gather natural materials from the land so as not to destroy nature’s balance and bring about the potential extinction of a species (wherever possible students use recycled or reused materials to create their art piece and fine motor skills will be honed through traditional sewing techniques)
• Students will build relationships within a variety of communities and make connections to others through participation in the arts