There are many books related to Métis Peoples of Canada that can help students better visualize and understand the people, their culture, their past, and their present. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. Afterward, students can create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions. This example is a summary of The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story by Leah M. Dorion.
Here are some examples of literature that relate to the Métis Nation:
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-6 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
Connect Métis stories to subjects like social studies, art, or music for deeper learning. For example, link a story’s theme to a history unit or explore Métis beadwork after reading. This approach builds cultural understanding across your curriculum.
Select literature that matches your students’ reading levels and interests. Preview books to ensure content is accessible and engaging for grades 2–8, using picture books for younger students and novels for older ones.
Guide students in sharing thoughts and questions about Métis traditions or characters. Use open-ended prompts and encourage respectful listening to promote understanding and empathy.
Ask students how aspects of Métis stories relate to their own lives. This helps deepen engagement and personalizes learning.
Showcase completed storyboards in your classroom or hallway. This honors students’ work and highlights Métis voices within your school community.
Recommended Métis literature for elementary students includes titles like The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story by Leah M. Dorion, Call of the Fiddle by Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton, and The Flower Beadwork People by Sherry Farrell Racette. These books offer engaging stories that help students learn about Métis culture and history.
Métis picture books can be used as read-alouds for the entire class, sparking discussion about culture, traditions, and history. After reading, students can create visual summaries or storyboards to reinforce understanding.
A great activity is to have students summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard, describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end. This helps students visualize the plot and demonstrate comprehension.
Including Métis stories in the classroom supports cultural awareness, respect, and understanding. It helps students appreciate diverse perspectives and the rich heritage of Métis Peoples in Canada.
Métis literature activities are particularly suitable for grades 4-6, but many picture books can be adapted for younger or older students depending on the lesson goals.