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What is Métis Week?

Métis Week marks the annual celebration of Métis people, their culture and their contributions.

Louis Riel devoted and sacrificed his life defending the rights of Métis people. On November 16, 1885, he was executed. Each year, during the week encompassing November 16, we pay tribute to Louis Riel and the Métis contributions in the creation of Canada.

The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) has organized several events to commemorate Métis week. A list of these events can be found on their website.

History and Culture

The Métis are the descendants of French Canadian or Scottish fur traders and First Nations mothers, who have evolved to develop their own unique and distinct culture. The infinity sign, a Métis symbol, is used to represent the coming together of two cultures. Michif is the language of the Métis; however, many Métis people also speak Cree, Saulteaux, Dene and French. The Métis are also known as the “flower beadwork people” because the flower pattern is often featured on their clothing and footwear. 

The Métis have a significant place in Alberta’s history. Many early Francophone communities were established through the fur trade through a strong relationship between Métis and Francophone people. Alberta is also the only province in Canada to establish Metis Settlements, providing some Métis with a land base.

Learning about our national history, including the role of Aboriginal people in Canada’s development, is an important and valued part of Alberta’s curriculum. 

The resources listed below can assist teachers, students and families in learning more about the important contributions that First Nations, Métis and Inuit have made and continue to make in shaping our country and our world.

Learning and Teaching Resources:

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education
• Aboriginal Peoples of Alberta: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit Colleges
• Smart Board Activities for K-6
• Cree Language and Culture Programs of Study
• Blackfoot Language and Culture Programs of Study
• Aboriginal Studies 10-20-30 Programs of Study
• First Voices – Dene
• Online Cree Dictionary and Kids Cree Dictionary
• Words From Our Elders – Blackfoot
• Michif Language Lessons
• Rocky Mountain Nakoda Language
• Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park

Additional Resources:

• Alberta Education’s Walking Together: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum is an online tool designed to inform educators about the beliefs, experiences, and worldviews of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in our province.
  
  
• Our Words, Our Ways: Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learners: This resource provides information about First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) cultures and perspectives, and sample strategies for meeting the needs and recognizing the gifts of FNMI students.

• Successful Transitions for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Youth Workbook: Successful Transitions is one of five strategies outlined in Albertaʼs High School Completion Strategic Framework. The focus of the Successful Transitions strategy is on ensuring students have the supports to help them make successful transitions between grades and from school to work.