I think that it is wonderful that you are taking the time to learn more about the Metis to better support the revitalization efforts. I recall learning about the code talkers as a youth and the pride I felt learning that my culture played an important role in history. I think sharing these valuable stories with youth can empower them and help them to feel a sense of pride and see the value in speaking in their languages.
Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2022 15:43
From: Aradhna Abraham
Subject: JUNE 2022 Moodle Cohort
Hello Everyone,
My name is Aradhna Abraham. I am joining from Calgary, AB. I signed up for this Moodle course to support my learning and reflective practice on how to best serve early learning communities with Metis children and families. Some of the questions I have: What is the history of the Metis people in Alberta? And how can I best support the revitalization of Metis culture and language in the Early Learning communities I work with?
WEEK 1 TRIVIA:
False: There were 80 speakers of Michif in Alberta in 2016. (Census, 2016)
WEEK 1 REFLECTION:
Wow! The complexity of the Metis culture and how multilingualism played an important role in their communities and history is fascinating. I am learning about how important Metis languages were in WW2, including the code talkers- this is all new information to me and as an educator, I hope to share in continuing these important stories within my work with children.
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Aradhna Abraham
ARCQE
Original Message:
Sent: 05-31-2022 16:11
From: Kimberley Fraser-Airhart
Subject: JUNE 2022 Moodle Cohort
Taanishii hello everyone! Welcome to the
RLI Métis Foundational Knowledge Themes Moodle Course
JUNE 2022 Moodle Cohort.
We hope that you are excited to begin (or continue) your learning journey about the Métis Nation.
Once the course begins, please login to ensure you have access to the course.
Each week, an RLI Education Team Member will post a two questions (TRIVIA and REFLECTION) in this post.
RESPOND by clicking 'Reply' to ONE QUESTION OR BOTH QUESTIONS each week.
- All responses will be a collected as entries in a draw for a printed set of the Métis Foundational Knowledge Themes (draw will take place at the end of the month).
- You may respond to the questions at any time throughout the month, it does not have to be the same week that it was posted.
- In your post, please ensure you reference which question you're responding to (For example: Week 1 Trivia).
- In your post below, please also introduce yourself!
- What is your name?
- Where are you joining from?
- Why did you sign up for the Moodle course?
- What is one question you would like to have answered about the Métis through this course?
WEEK 1 TRIVIA:
True or False: There are 0 speakers of Michif in Alberta.
WEEK 1 REFLECTION:
"Michif language is the essence of the [Métis] culture. If you learn the language, you will learn who we are as a people."
- Vice-President Dan Cardinal
The languages spoken by Métis are inherently connected to Métis culture and identity. As you learn about the languages traditionally spoken by Métis, what do you learn about Métis identity and culture?
WEEK 2 TRIVIA:
The core Métis value of kinship, community, and networking is evident in which of the following traditions?
a) celebrations
b) sharing extra wild game
c) traditional house design
d) all the choices are correct
WEEK 2 REFLECTION:
"Without [their] culture, without that strong line from [their] forefathers, no [person] knows who [they] really [are]. If one does not know who [they are], [they] cannot possess pride or dignity for [themselves] or [their] people."
Dr. Anne Anderson, Métis scholar and leader
Dr. Anne Anderson highlights the key relationship between a person's identity and their cultural heritage. Why would it be important to celebrate distinct Métis culture in an educational community?
WEEK 3 TRIVIA:
Where do Métis people in Alberta live today?
WEEK 3 REFLECTION:
""Learning history through textbooks is not enough . . . It is important for students to learn by hearing stories of the past. . . . Stories help to create empathy and engage students, giving them an opportunity to see things from another perspective." Norma Spicer
In what ways do K-12 students in Alberta benefit from learning about Métis stories around Alberta?
If you have one, share an example of how you have witnessed a learner's perspective develop/change by learning about Indigenous histories in their area.
WEEK 4 TRIVIA:
Why do people commemorate Louis Riel on November 16th?
WEEK 4 REFLECTION:
"Through the hunt, Métis could understand themselves as a web of kin relations, expressing a collective political will through an assembly of inter-related families, that choose a mutually agreed upon leadership."
–Adam Gaudry, "Kaa-tipeyimishoyaahk-'We Are Those Who Own Ourselves': A
Political History of Métis Self-Determination in the North-West, 1830-1870" (PhD
dissertation, University of Victoria, 2014), 29.
Dr. Adam Gaudrey highlights how wahkohtowin (being related or relationality) is a core framework guiding Métis governance. Is this a narrative you have encountered before when learning about the Métis? Why would it be important to reinforce wahkohtowin and otipemisiwak as Métis Ways of Being for learners?
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Kimberley Fraser-Airhart
Rupertsland Institute
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