Reading: National Indigenous History Month
Goals:
- Learn more about the Métis
The Métis, unlike the First Nations peoples and Inuit, emerged as a group in Canada only after European contact.
As the fur trade moved west, many French-speaking men married Cree and Ojibway women. As the children from these marriages grew up, a distinct group of people with mixed heritage began to emerge. The children of these marriages spoke both French and Indigenous languages.
The Métis take their name from an old French word meaning “mixed,” and have at times been called the “children of the fur trade.” Over time, the Métis formed a close-knit community with both European and First Nations customs and lifestyles to meet the needs of their people.
To learn more about the Métis, explore these pages at the Canadian History Museum. (directions to navigate the site)
As you read, add information and questions to your mind map about National Indigenous History Month. You can write down facts that help answer some of your questions. You can also write down new questions that you have.
Other Opportunities:
Categories: Elementary