Indigenous Awareness at the Museum
Division: I
Location: Musée Héritage Museum, St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert, AB. (view on Google Maps)
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Activity/Products:
- Social Studies – Students will relate traditions to Canada’s heritage by learning about the three distinct Indigenous groups: Inuit, First Nations, and Metis. Through object-based learning students will explore material culture from each of the groups. Students will understand how Indigenous heritage is reflected in traditional games, hunting practices, and the Metis music and dance. Students will make their own ring and pin game. Students will reflect upon the importance of learning about diverse communities and building acceptance.
Volunteers: 4–6 recommended
Additional information for In-School programs: The sharing circle is an important element of the program. It requires an open space in the classroom for all the students to sit on the floor in a circle with a museum staff member. We can adjust according to space constraints, if necessary.
- Grade 1 Social Studies – Students explore cultures of diverse communities. Culture can be expressed by an individual or a community as cultural celebrations and traditions. Learning about culture can build appreciation of diverse communities (intercultural understanding). Students discuss how First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities express culture.
- Grade 2 Social Studies – Since time immemorial, First Nations and Inuit inhabited the land and had unique ways of living on the land. Distinct traditions and languages, such as Michif, with blended First Nations and European roots contribute to Métis heritage. Heritage reflects traditions of people and communities. Explore ways the land contributes to First Nations and Inuit tradition and identity. Relate distinct traditions and languages to Métis heritage. Follow instructions with two or three steps given in different forms.
- Grade 3 Social Studies – Students relate diversity to Alberta’s western identity. Distinct First Nations communities have distinct languages, cultures, and histories. Explore the history of distinct Metis culture. Learning about other cultures and beliefs and interacting with people from various backgrounds are actions that can contribute to empathy and unity.
- Scheduling Requirements:
Schools must schedule a minimum of two programs on the same day with a lunch break in between. If booking three programs in one day, the school must provide a designated room for classes to rotate through for the full day. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your in-school program request if these requirements are not met.
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Teacher Feedback
My students loved the field trip. There is a good mix of teaching about the history and hands-on activities.
Perfect project to complement our learning in Science.
The presentation was engaging and informative. It fit in wonderfully with our kindergarten curriculum and was a positive and meaningful experience for my students.
These were valuable and engaging programs for the students. They enjoyed learning a new skill and at the river lots they were encouraged to think critically and reflect carefully.
My students loved it and couldn't wait to go home and show their creations!
This program was fantastic. The students loved the opportunity to be in council chambers.
I have done clay projects with you for as long as I can remember. Once again, everything was AMAZING! We have a new grade partner this year who had never been, and she absolutely loved it! The instructors are always excellent, They explain and guide the students in manageable chunks to make it easy for the kids to follow along. I love that you allow extra parents to come and assist. I especially like that the projects are always connected to the curriculum! Thanks again.
The Peru and Indigenous Peoples of Canada program perfectly connected Gr 3 Social Studies content with some Gr 4 Social Studies content. We had lots to talk about after.
The instructor was amazing. She engaged the students in the Métis culture. The activity was hands on and informative.
Amazing program with a knowledgeable instructor who engaged my students and me too! Thanks so much for offering this field trip.