Students at Glen Allan Elementary learn about the history and importance of moccasins with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team member, Jeremy Albert

Around the Division

EIPS Students Rock their Mocs!
November 15 was International Rock Your Mocs Day. The day is one of cultural pride and celebration for Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. Students and teachers were encouraged to wear their moccasins—for Indigenous people, as a way to show pride in their culture and honour their ancestors, and for non-Indigenous people, as a way to show allyship and respect for the beautiful wearable art created by Indigenous artisans. Students at Glen Allan Elementary learned about the history and importance of moccasins with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team member, Jeremy Albert.

Métis Week Celebrated Across the Division
Across Alberta, Métis Week was celebrated November 14-20. Thanks to our friends at Rupertsland Institute and local Métis knowledge holders, students across the Division were able to engage in lessons and learning experiences to deepen their understanding of Métis culture, history and language.

• One special program at Win Ferguson Elementary was the creation of beautiful art panels for their Indigenous Land-based Learning Space. Métis knowledge holder Connie Kulhavy worked with each student at the school to co-create birch-themed paintings that will be displayed in the school grounds in the spring. Win Ferguson students learned about Métis culture as well as new art techniques. We can’t wait to see their creations!
• Glen Allan Elementary students learnied to make flower patterns with pony beads from First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team member, Cheryl Devin.
• Lamont Elementary students learned about Métis culture from Rupertsland Institute.

Upcoming Events

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Announces Imagine a Canada Contest
The Imagine a Canada 2021-22 program invites Canadian youth from kindergarten to Grade 12 to share their vision of what Canada will look like when we are reconciled.

• Students in kindergarten to Grade 5 can submit an art piece, essay, song, video or other representation to express their thoughts and ideas. Selected pieces will be included in an art booklet showcasing the work and messages.
• Older students in grades 6 to 12 are asked to submit project ideas that address reconciliation in their community or school. Projects for consideration can include such things as inviting Survivors, Elders or Knowledge Keepers to speak at a series of learning events; building a permanent art installation representing Reconciliation at the school; or supporting volunteer work in communities related to Reconciliation. Six projects from the older age group will receive $750 each, six will receive $1,000 each and three will receive $1,500 each. Additionally, these projects will also be recognized in an art booklet.

Winning youth from both streams will be invited to participate in a virtual leadership conference to learn from Elders, Survivors and Knowledge Keepers as well as attending a national celebration at the end of the school year. Deadline for all submissions is December 17. More information and submission forms can be found on the Imagine a Canada website.

Resources of Interest

• Learn more about the annual Rock Your Mocs event.
• What does it mean to be Métis? Check out this short video from the Métis Nation of Alberta.
• Learn more about Métis people and their culture through short videos on the Métis Nation of Alberta’s webpage and through a series of videos from Rupertsland Institute.
• Watch this beautiful stop animation film on the dark times in Métis history, "Four Faces of the Moon" by filmmaker Amanda Strong.
• Read about Métis history, culture and experiences through some of these excellent books:
     The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story by Leah Dorion
     Métis Christmas Mittens by Leah Dorion
     The North-west is Our Mother by Jean Teillet
     From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle (for mature readers only)
• The Métis Nation of Alberta’s education affiliate, Rupertsland Institute for Teaching and Learning, has created many resources for schools and families to learn about the histories, perspectives and culture of the Métis. The Rupertsland Education Community Connections (RECC) Room is an interactive, education-based website for young learners to engage with Métis-inspired materials and resources. Through the RECC Room, students, parents and educators have access to resources such as a Tutoring Community and Stories with Métis artists Leah Dorion and Angie Hall. To access all of these incredible learning opportunities, head to the RECC Room website, make an account, log in and enjoy! You can also see all the tremendous opportunities for Métis students through their Facebook page.
• One powerful project that was just shared is the collaborative storyboard mural and re-release of the book, Métis Memories of Residential Schools, A Testament to the Strength of the Métis. In a collaborative effort with respected Métis Elder Angie Crerar, author Jude D. Daniels, Canadian artist Lewis Lavoie, Rupertsland Institute and Werklund School of Education, this powerful resource was designed to acknowledge, highlight and share Métis residential school survivor experiences. Watch the recording of the virtual unveiling of the mural.