For my final project I decided to look at how Modern Metis communities are using technology for Self-representation and Self-Determination. I provided a brief history of the Metis and their struggles as well as a current snap shop of the progress that the Metis have made and continue to make.
My Presentation is a Prezi titled: The Metis Looking Back, Moving Forward and it is viewable here: http://prezi.com/j0zgljcejwdb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
For my final project I wanted to capture the struggles of the indigenous peoples of Fort McKay, Alberta while shining a light on one strategy often overlooked at engaging youth: videogames.
I believe that while there have been positive changes made to curriculum to become more culturally sensitive, there is still a long way to go. The environment of schooling needs to change, and one strategy which engages many youth, while immersing them in a different virtual landscapes, is gaming.
As First Nations people fight to retain their culture and traditions, we can’t ignore the impacts of white culture upon youth. Embracing technology, videogames could be one method to help draw in youth who struggle to be successful in western approaches to education. Dovetailing videogames with curricula focused on traditional and contemporary indigenous practices could help ensure that the next generation is sensitive to the challenges and pressures that dominant culture puts upon minority groups.
I hope you enjoy my documentary style movie. Due to it’s length (22 minutes) it is captured in two parts. Be sure to set the quality to high resolution to get the maximum experience from this viewing.
To view the full transcript of my movie, with complete set of references, click here.
Mel Burgess.
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is the professional organization representing the teachers of Saskatchewan. This is the Classroom is blog created by the STF that discusses important issues that affect teachers in this province. First Nations and Metis issues are always at the forefront of our educational consciousness and this blog has put together some well written posts about the Treaty Essential Learnings and First Nations education. The posts are written by teachers, for teachers so they are easy to read and informative.
The Metis Culture and Heritage Resource Centre is an organization based in Winnipeg that has a mandate to “honour the richness of Metis culture and history through preservation, restoration, education and sharing.” They provide a newsletter, a Metis genealogy service, workshops, community outreach programs and various other community and advocacy programs.
The MCHRC website has information about all of these, as well as an online version of the newsletter, Historical Maps of the Metis culture, lessons on the Michif language, and information on many important Metis landmarks.
“Our Worlds, Our Ways: Teaching First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Learners” is a resource created by the Alberta Education Authority in conjunction with many First Nations, Metis and Inuit elders. The resource is designed to support teachers in better serving the needs of Aboriginal students. Culturally-relevant approaches to Aboriginal education are explained from a holistic point of view in terms of students’ spiritual, physical, cognitive, and emotional competencies. Built into the resource are the guiding principles of understanding and respect for diversity, respecting and reflecting Aboriginal perspectives, the importance of the teacher/student relationship, and the connection to community. While the resource is primarily aimed at supporting Aboriginal learners, it has relevance and value for a range of educational settings and contexts.
I found this resource as I was searching for curricular materials for teaching Metis heritage, history and culture. The “Best Practices -Including First Nation, Métis, and Inuit in the Curriculum” resource was created by the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board from Ontario. The resource is designed to support teachers in a culturally responsive way in teaching First Nations topics. The resource defines potential problem areas in terms of Key Concepts, Accuracy, Culture, Authenticity, Diversity, Eurocentrism, Pedagogy, Use of Terminology, and Visual Images and gives teachers concrete language they can use to cover these topics in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way.
Awchimo is a website designed to teach children more about Metis heritage, culture, history, and the Metis language, Michif. In addition to the categories mentioned, the site is organized into click-able links including colouring, games, stories and recipes that are embedded in a fun, colourful picture. The site is easy to navigate and has many appealing activities for children, however the material presented does seem to be too complex for younger readers. The site provides a good amount of useful information for anyone wanting to have their children learn more about Metis culture in a fun and engaging environment.
Susan Greig is a health care professional and storyteller who lives in the lower mainland of BC. Through her blog, “The Metis Raconteur” Susan shares her Metis heritage and culture with others. From the blog:
“Traditional Métis storytellers related family and community history, stories, lessons and customs around camp fires, or while going about daily activities such as sewing, harvesting berries, or hunting and fishing. Following in my ancestors footsteps I have been writing and telling stories since the fourth grade and my most cherished memories of storytelling are the narratives I would weave for my children at bed time each night. Blogging is also storytelling and this is where I plan to chronicle more of my family story and to share items and news about Métis culture, particularly anything to do with writing or the arts.”
While most of “The Metis Raconteur” site is dedicated to Metis current events and happenings, links are also provided to Metis associations from across Canada, other Metis bloggers, as well Susan’s paintings and published books. The site is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and provides god insight into Metis culture. I recommend browsing through when you have a chance – it’s worth a read.
“Canadian History a Distinct Viewpoint” is the website of Dick Garneau. Dick is a researcher of both written and oral history of the Metis peoples, with emphasis on the genealogical roots of the Metis Garneau clan. Dick has been researching his family history and the history of the Metis peoples for the past 60 years. The bulk of this historical research appears on his website. While the material was originally intended as a book, Dick decided instead to make the information available on the internet for free with the goal of supporting the education of young people to a different view of history,
The website includes written histories of many of the peoples of Canada including the Indigenous peoples, Europeans, and Asians. Histories are provided for many regions of Canada including New France, Central Canada, Alberta, and British Columbia. Information is also provided on the genealogies of many Metis families. While the provided information is quite text heavy, it is easy to read and navigate. This resource is recommended for anyone who wishes to explore the history of Canada from a Metis perspective.
In grade four, students across Canada learn about their home province. Saskstories.ca is a website geared towards grade four students in Saskatchewan. It is about the history of Saskatchewan and it has excellent information about First Nations peoples and settlers of this province. The information is well balanced and user friendly. I have used this website with students for the past five years and it is always well-liked by the kids. We always have good discussions about the stories they read on the website. My only potential complaint is the lack of information of First Nations people today on the website however it is not meant to be comprehensive and the information it has is excellent.
