THE FIRST PEOPLE
METIS NATION

Grade Level:
4^th-8^th

Standards Integration:
Minnesota:
Grades 4-5: Read, Listen, and View: Interpretation and Evaluation
5. Understand ideas not explicitly stated in the selection.
Write and Speak: Writing 1d. An image of at least one character.
Mathematical Concepts and Applications: Shape, Space, and Measurement
4. Extend or create geometric patterns to solve problems.
Grades 6-8: Read, Listen and View: Nonfiction
2f. Using structural organizers within a selection to aid comprehension.
Mathematical Concepts and Applications: Space, Shape, and Measurement 3. Create complex designs using transformations and tiling to generalize properties of shapes.

North Dakota:
Grades K-4: Library/Technology Literacy-Collaborative Skills/Independent Learning/Personal Enjoyment
4.4.1 Collaborate with others to share knowledge, information, and technology use.
Language Arts-Students gather and organize information.
1.4.1 Understand main idea and supporting details.
Grades 5-8: Library/Technology Literacy-Collaborative Skills/Independent Learning/Personal Enjoyment
8.4.4 Evaluate information representing diverse views in order to make informed decisions.
Mathematics-Geometry and Spatial Sense
8.2.5 Use transformations and symmetry to investigate similar figures.

Materials:
Internet, Grid paper, various colored pens, crayons, markers.

Objectives:

	Through observation and research, the students will reach conclusions about Métis culture.
	The students will create essays describing, using graphic detail, someone they view as a hero.

Background-Heroes Activity
Métis culture is a unique blend cultures: historically, that of Cree Indian women and French explorers. Looked upon as neither aboriginal nor French people, the Metis succeeded in creating a new, distinct culture in the Red River Valley. With that culture came several inventions, such as the York boat and the Red River cart; a distinctive language known as Mischief; a blend of Creole, Cree, and French music; and a number of significant leaders most recognizably, the hero of the Metis people, Louis Riel. However, along with Riel, there were a number of prominent leaders who aided in the development of Metis culture.

Pre-Visit Activity
Educate the students about the Metis people, allowing those knowledgeable about the culture to add information. Allow them to explore the website, http://collections.ic.gc.ca/sifc/northwest.crt.htm, to learn more about the leaders of the Metis that aided in establishing the Metis as a First Nation culture. Have the students fill out the biography sheets for individual leaders.

Post-Visit Activity
Discuss the significance of the Metis leaders in securing the Metis culture as recognized in Canada. Ask the students to brainstorm why the Métis culture sees Louis Riel as a hero, even today. Have the students write about people they view as heroes, explaining what significant event led to that person becoming a hero.

THE FIRST PEOPLE
METIS NATION
Activity 2

Background-Metis Art
Many aboriginal groups have been recognized for their contribution to artistry. Métis culture has been distinguished for their fine beadwork craftspeople. Unique designs, clever patterns, and brilliant colors attract people to the work of the Métis. Most often, these designs can be seen in the traditional dress of the Metis.

Pre-Visit Activity
Allow students to manipulate various geometric shapes, creating different patterns and designs. Ask the students to share how they created these designs or where the inspiration came from-whether it be a recognizable pattern, or something new the student came up with.

Post-Visit Activity
Having viewed the work on display of various Metis beadwork, and by reading “In Search of Metis Art”, The New Peoples: Being and Becoming Metis in North America (St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1985), have the students create their own design and pattern. Using grid paper, have the students set the design down and color it as they chose. Share the student designs, either on a bulletin board or send them to HHIC for display. Discuss similar patterns, designs, etc. Come up with a Metis inspired pattern for your class.