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Métis Land-Based Learning - askîhk kiskinohamâtowin

Elementary, Middle

Description

The 13 Moons (Askîhk kiskinohamâtowin) framework, grounded in Indigenous knowledge, offers a way to understand and connect with the natural world and its cycles. This resource includes thirteen lesson plans, slides, and information about land-based learning from a Métis perspective that are designed to be used alongside the videos.

The videos and lesson plans explore the relationship between the 13 Moons and seasonal activities, providing a holistic approach to education while fostering respect for the land. Land-based learning is central to Métis ways of knowing and being. The videos feature Métis Knowledge Holders from across Alberta, each sharing teachings about the land corresponding to each month or moon.

The resource covers various aspects of life, including cultural practices, harvesting, preparing for different seasons, and understanding the interconnectedness of all living things. The educational videos, slides, and lesson plans offer practical examples of engaging with the land, such as harvesting, tanning hides, and preparing for winter. Educators can use these resources to create meaningful land-based learning experiences that honour Indigenous knowledge, foster respect for the land, and promote a deeper connection to the natural world. For this review, we take a look at

 askîhk kiskinohamâtowin - ayîkipîsim - Frog Moon - April

In the video, Métis Knowledge Holder Jamie Chalifoux shares his insights about the Frog Moon. The Frog Moon represents a time of renewal and new beginnings, as the awakening of frogs from hibernation signals the return of warmer weather and the start of the growing season. It’s an opportunity to observe and appreciate the signs of nature’s revival.

The lesson plan includes discussion questions, an art activity, and extension activities to enhance learning. These activities include:

  • Reading the book "Relatives with Roots" by Leah Marie Dorion.
  • Creating an art project centered around the Birch tree, incorporating drawings of frogs to honor Ayikipisim, the Frog Moon.
  • Going outside to visit a Birch tree and observing how it changes over time.
  • Sampling Birch syrup.
  •  Listening to the sounds of ayîkis, the frog, while learning about its life cycle and hibernation.

All RCTL resources have been carefully crafted by a team of Métis educators. The organization works closely with Métis leaders, knowledge keepers, and community members to produce resources that accurately present authentic Métis voices and stories in education.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The program emphasizes the importance of community involvement in land-based learning, encouraging collaboration with Elders and knowledge holders. The resources share important cultural teachings related to the 13 Moons, promoting a deeper understanding of Métis traditions and ways of life. 

To extend the learning

  • Facilitate a discussion about the concept of time and how it's understood differently in various cultures. Ask students to consider how the lunar cycle might influence daily life and seasonal activities. 
  • Introduce the names of the 13 moons in the relevant Indigenous language. Provide opportunities for students to learn and practice the Indigenous language names for the moons. 
  • Invite an Elder to share traditional knowledge and stories related to the 13 moons, emphasizing the importance of each moon and its connection to the environment. 
  • Have students research and present on one or more of the moons, focusing on its name, associated activities, and any relevant teachings. 
  • Encourage students to write stories, poems, or reflections inspired by the 13 moons and their connection to the natural world. 
  • Organize a sharing circle where students can share their work, reflections, and insights about the 13 moons
  • Use journals, research, projects, ongoing observations, recordings, drawings, talking circles, and creative work as tools for assessing.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Learning about indigenous peoples nurtures multicultural awareness and respect for diversity.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Indigenous knowledge is passed down through oral history, traditions, and collective memory.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: People from diverse cultures and societies share some common experiences and aspects of life.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: The motions of Earth and the moon cause observable patterns that affect living and non-living system
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: The solar system is part of the Milky Way, which is one of billions of galaxies.
  • Manitoba
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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    • Grade 3
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      • Science
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        • Plant Growth & Changes
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      • Science
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        • Habitats
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Space
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
        • Science 3:Plants and Animals are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Learning about indigenous peoples nurtures awareness and respect for diversity.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Indigenous knowledge is continues to be shared through oral history, traditions, and collective memory.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: People from diverse cultures and societies share some common experiences and aspects of life.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: The motions of Earth and the moon cause observable patterns that affect living and non-living system
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Plants
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: Habitats
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Space
  • Nunavut
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
      • Social Studies
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        • Provinces and Territories: Our Places, Stories, and Traditions: The Land: Place & People
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth and Space Systems: Space
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Plant Growth & Changes
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitats
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Space
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Plant Growth and Changes
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitats and Communities
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Learning about indigenous peoples nurtures multicultural awareness and respect for diversity.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: Indigenous knowledge is passed down through oral history, traditions, and collective memory.
        • Global Indigenous Peoples: People from diverse cultures and societies share some common experiences and aspects of life.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: The motion of Earth and the moon cause observable patterns that affect living and non - living things

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity

Indigenous Knowledge (2)

  • Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing
  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

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