What defines an indigenous culture? In Canada, the term “indigenous peoples” is all encompassing and refe
rs to aboriginal or first peoples groups including Inuit, First Nations, and Métis. There is a wealth of cultures amongst Canada’s indigenous peoples. The Primary and Elementary Métis Awareness Program (PEMA) activity kit (C.R. 971.00497 i56P) specifically explores how to learn about Métis culture in the classroom. This multimedia social studies program is an easy-to-use guide for grades 1 to 4 which includes an informational binder of lesson plans and teaching program details, a 70 minute instructional DVD, 32 colouring book pages (black line master), 5 cutout pages, 1 writing practice page, 1 audio CD containing traditional Métis music, and 8 plastic bags containing mini artifact and craft kits. The artifact and craft bags provide one sample each of items students can create in order to better understand certain aspects of Métis culture. Sample items include a flat braid bracelet, a one-way woven key fob, bookmarks, a tuppie (a small covering for dogs), a button spinner, a flag, mittens on a string, and rhythm sticks. All of the materials contained in the activity kit are Métis authored and recommended.
This kit is currently on display on the coffee table near the service desk on the 1st floor of the OISE Library