Theme Bundle: Métis Resources for Primary Students
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Details:
A bundle with resources for primary students for learning more about the Métis. All of the books in this bundle are written, or co-written, by Métis authors.
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Fiction and Nonfiction Resources
Synopsis:
Call of the Fiddle completes the trilogy of a young boy as he embraces his Métis heritage and carries on his family’s traditions. Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton capture Batoche’s history and significance with their words, while Sherry Farrell Racette brings the land and Métis culture to life with her vibrant illustrations. Join Nolin one last time as he hears the rollicking rhythm of the “Red River Jig,” learns of tearful memories, and experiences the excitement of jigging at Batoche!
Includes a CD with English and Michif Narrations of the Story and Fiddle Music!
Educator & Series Information
The trilogy is composed of these three titles: Fiddle Dancer, Dancing In My Bones, and Call of the Fiddle.
Michif translations by Normal Fleury.
Additional Information
49 Pages | 27.9 cm x 21.5 cm
Synopsis:
Dancing in My Bones, the sequel to the highly successful book Fiddle Dancer, returns us to the story of a young Métis boy named Nolin as he continues to discover his Métis heritage. Lovingly written by Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton and vividly illustrated by Sherry Farrell Racette, Dancing in My Bones will take you on a journey to discover Moushoom's first moose hunt, red lipstick kisses, Uncle Bunny's fiddling, and the return of the "Bannock Jig." But most importantly, by the end of the story, you might feel like you have dancing in your bones!
Includes a CD with English and Michif Narrations of the Story and Fiddle Music!
Educator & Series Information
The trilogy is composed of these three titles: Fiddle Dancer, Dancing In My Bones, and Call of the Fiddle. Dancing in My Bones is the second book in the trilogy.
Michif translations by Normal Fleury.
Additional Information
50 Pages | 27.9 cm H x 21.5 cm W
Synopsis:
Fiddle Dancer tells the tale of a young Métis boy, Nolin, and his growing awareness of his Métis heritage and identity while his "Moushoom," or grandfather, teaches him to dance. Authors Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton masterfully weave a childhood story rich in Métis culture and language. This delightful story captures the importance of Elders as role models, a child's apprehension at learning new things, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Sherry Farrell Racette provides many beautiful illustrations for the book.
Includes a CD with English and Michif Narrations of the Story and Fiddle Music!
Educator & Series Information
This is the first book in a trilogy composed of these three titles: Fiddle Dancer, Dancing In My Bones, and Call of the Fiddle.
Michif translations by Normal Fleury.
Additional Information
53 Pages | 27.9 cm H x 21.7 cm W
Synopsis:
This beautifully illustrated Métis picture book is fully bilingual in Michif and English. A feast for the eyes and a tickle for the funny bone, Kohkum cooks up a HUGE order of bannock in her own kitchen, for the Queen and 299 guests!
This lively and whimsical tale begins with a letter from the government asking Kohkum to cook bannock for the Royal visit. Kohkum's grandson Xavier is as excited as she is, until they do the math and are shocked to learn that they are cooking not just for the Queen but for her entourage and guests too. A mad scramble ensues, with a rushed trip to the grocery store to buy a ridiculous amount of flour and milk, and a perilous trip home with the car stuffed with supplies and Xavier riding on the roof. Several aunties come to the rescue, helping with bannock assembly and sharing in the excitement of cooking for the Queen.
Written by an educator, this story provides many opportunities to count in English and Michif, with many laughs along the way as Kohkum, aunties, and Xavier scramble to cook the bannock in time for the Queen's visit. Boldly colourful, humourous illustrations by illustrator Hawlii Pichette bring this entertaining story to life. Full translation makes this book ideal for in-class cultural learning and Michif language acquisition.
Educator Information
Recommended for preschool to Grade 4.
Bilingual: Michif and English
Michif Translation by Irma Klyne and Larry Fayant.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
On a cold winter morning in 1952, Patsy Lamondin wakes to the day electricity will finally be connected to her small town along the Magnetawan River.
Patsy and her siblings buzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the ceremony being held at the center of town. The Lamondins have lived along the waters of Georgian Bay and the Magnetawan River for generations. They are a Métis family who love music, dancing and being outdoors, and Patsy ponders how electricity will change all of their daily lives. What she knows for sure is that, whatever changes, she will always feel she belongs here.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M
Lexile measure: 660L
Guided Reading Level: M
Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Science in grades 1 to 3.
Themes: Childhood, Community, Family, History, Technology, Engineering.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
When a young boy is assigned a project about the fur trade by his teacher, he doesn’t know who to turn to because his mom works all day. With help from his grandfather and the internet, they travel back in time and discover how the fur trade began, a new people emerged, the Métis’ role in the fur trade, Louis Riel and the Red River Resistance, and the reason behind a holiday named Louis Riel Day.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
A wonderful way to introduce the important history of the Métis people and why Louis Riel Day is celebrated.
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a young boy who, through a class assignment, learns about the history of the fur trade, the Métis people and Louis Riel with the help of his grandfather.
Louis Riel Day is a provincial statutory holiday observed on the third Monday of February in Manitoba.
Themes: Fur Trade, Métis, Red River Resistance, History, Indigenous.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Manny's Memories, by Author Ken Caron with his daughter Angela Caron, introduces us to the Métis community of Round Prairie, Saskatchewan through the eyes of a young boy growing up in the 1940s. Manny shares his boyhood memories of the once vibrant community not too far from Saskatoon's city limits. Though rural life at the time called for hard work, self-sufficiency, and generosity, there was always time to have fun and to enjoy being a young Métis boy. Artist Donna Lee Dumont's visual expression of Manny's Memories helps us see the world as Ken, called "Manny" in his youth, remembers it. Norman Fleury's accompanying Michif translation and narration returns to the language which Manny often hears as a boy. Manny's Memories leaves us with a rare and satisfying glimpse of life not so long ago.
Educator Information
Grade Level: Primary
Format: Book/CD, English/Michif-Cree
Additional Information
36 pages | 10.94" x 8.46"
Synopsis:
Whether or not you're Métis, there's so much to experience and learn about this amazing Indigenous culture — take a picture book journey into Métis crafts, music and cooking with friends who love to share.
Are you Métis like me? A group of children of Métis descent share and explore all the ways they celebrate and experience their heritage — enjoying traditional foods like bannock bread and Saskatoon berries; crafting with beads; sharing stories, dance, music and songs. Each child shares a different way they enjoy honoring their backgrounds and weaving parts of the rich tapestry that makes up Métis culture. One child, though, has grown up disconnected from their history, and can't join in with the others in the same way. But they soon see it's never too late to learn, celebrate or become a part of a community in which Métis and non-Métis alike can discover the richness of an often-overlooked culture.
This rhythmic, jubilant book will encourage young readers of all backgrounds to celebrate their own heritage and learn more about Métis history, and contains back matter including an author's note, recipe and dictionary to further inspire.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
This book is available in French: Nous sommes Métis.
Additional Information
40 pages | 9.43" x 9.31" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Ride across the plains with GABRIEL DUMONT!
Based on historic events, Ride, Gabe, Ride! tells the tale of a dangerous, exhilarating hunt led by the famed Métis buffalo hunter.
From the award-winning author of Fiddle Dancer, Dancing in My Bones, and Call of the Fiddle.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 12.
Additional Information
32 pages | 11.00" x 8.50"
Synopsis:
Cort Dogniez’s Road to La Prairie Ronde, takes the reader on an imagined journey of his ancestor, Frederick Dumont, from his home in Batoche to the Métis settlement of La Prairie Ronde, known today as Round Prairie. Frederick was a relative of the famous Métis leader, Gabriel Dumont. Frederick’s journey takes place just a few years prior to the tragic events of the 1885 Resistance.
This charming coming-of-age story focuses on young Frederick learning valuable lessons from his family as he begins his own journey from boyhood to manhood. The Cree and Métis concept of wâhkôtowin is a central part of this story. Wâhkôtowin is about maintaining and affirming relationships with the Creator and the natural world and with families, communities, and Indigenous nations. We have a relationship to all things.
Elegantly illustrated by Jade McDougall, Road to La Prairie Ronde is complemented with a Michif glossary, a teachers’ guide, and suggested learning activities. This comprehensive learning package gives readers and educators an opportunity to learn more about traditional Métis lifeways and history.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended by the publisher for ages 9+.
Chapter book themes: Transportation, Family, Métis communities, Genealogy—kinship, Relationship with the land, Relationship with the Dakota, Travel pre-1885, Coming-of-age, Bison hunting, Humour, Familial relationships
"Dogniez says, “My intent with all my stories is to ensure that Métis cultural components are woven throughout the stories to encourage children to learn more about us, but also to think about their own cultural traits and practices.”" - from "Métis road trip tale shows snapshot of everyday life in late 1800s" on Praire Books NOW.
This book is the first in a historical fiction series from Cort Dogniez.
Additional Information
44 pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Leah Marie Dorion's The Diamond Willow Walking Stick: A Traditional Métis Story About Generosity focuses on a Métis Elder's remembrances of traditional teachings about generosity that were taught to him by his grandparents during his childhood. These lifelong lessons imparted on him "how to live in a good Métis way," and taught him how to live with respect within the circle of life. In this charming children's book, the third in an ongoing series on traditional Métis culture, author and illustrator Leah Marie Dorion takes the reader on another enchanting journey while once again honouring the special bond between Métis children and their grandparents. With breathtaking artwork and an elegant Michif translation by Norman Fleury, this heartfelt, coming of age story will resonate with both young and old. This book also includes a chart on the uses of the willow tree and an accompanying narration CD in English and Michif-Cree. This retelling of a traditional Métis story is most suitable for younger children.
Educator Information
This book also includes a chart on the uses of the willow tree and an accompanying narration CD in English and Michif-Cree.
This retelling of a traditional Metis story is most suitable for younger children.
Additional Information
56 Pages | 28 cm x 21.5 cm
Synopsis:
In this beautiful and dramatic story, bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Aly McKnight show readers how life was lived by Indigenous communities, offering the true history of life on the prairie.
Before there was a little house on the prairie, there was a tipi on the prairie.
Rose is a young Métis-Ojibwe girl who has traveled far with her family for the biannual buffalo hunt made up of hundreds of other Métis families. The ritual of the hunt has been practiced for generations, and each hunt must see the community through the next six months. But in recent years, the buffalo population has dwindled, and after days on the hunt, there are no buffalo to be found. Can Rose help her family find the herd that will enable them to survive the long winter?
Reviews
“This vital and authentic picture book offers an exciting adventure on the prairies not often heard.” —Booklist, starred review
“[Sparks] discussion about environmental conservation and the role that Indigenous people have played (historically and currently) in the care and regrowth of natural lands . . . Skillfully captures the wild beauty of the plains.” —BCCB
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Additional Information
40 pages | 8.46" x 11.02" | Hardcover

Synopsis:
“We Are All Connected” is a series that explores how we all live together in a shared balance upon Mother Earth. Each book explores a specific ecosystem with a focus on one animal and its adaptations for survival within that ecosystem. Indigenous interviewees, each living within the same area, have responded to strategic questions as to how their community interacts with the land, their traditional territory. Explore each text with a sense of inquiry in mind.
8 We Are All Connected Titles Coast Salish, Coastal Rainforests and Cougars Haisla, Rivers and Chinook Salmon Inuit, Tundra and Ravens Lakota, Mixed Grasslands and Bald Eagles Métis, Wetlands and Mallards Nisga'a, Ponds and Leopard Frogs Nlaka'pamux, Grasslands and Rattlesnakes Sto:lo, Riparian Forests and Black Bears Each title covers the following curricular areas. Traditional storytelling and artwork begin each title from the focus Indigenous territory. Science: Biodiversity, classification, life cycles, food chains, food webs and connections between living and non-living things are just some of the science concepts included in each book. Social Studies: Contemporary and historical Indigenous cultural knowledge flows throughout each book. Local land forms, gatherings, harvesting practices and government are some of the social studies concepts included in each book.
2 Foundation Titles The two foundational books provide deeper understanding of the content of the “We Are All Connected” titles. We Are All Connected: The Earth, Our Home- explores biomes, ecosystems and biodiversity. We Are All Connected: The Earth, We Share- explores the interconnectedness between living and non-living things.
Authenticity Note: This book contains some Indigenous artwork and photos throughout, such as artwork from Leah Marie Dorion.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | ISBN: 9781771742511
Strong Readers

Synopsis:
Level 12 - Back cover book introduction: New Year’s Eve is on December 31. It is the last day of the year. At midnight the old year ends and a new one begins. In this book you will learn about some of the ways that Métis families have fun on New Year’s Eve.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Métis Series. The Strong Readers Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.
This is a Level 12 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French: La veille du jour de l’An métis.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740678

Synopsis:
Level 16 - Back cover book introduction: The Red River cart is very strong. It is built by the Métis people to carry heavy loads of furs and other things. This book will show you how a Red River cart is made.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Métis Series. The Strong Readers Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.
This is a Level 16 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French: Une charrette de la rivière Rouge.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740692

Synopsis:
Level 10 - Back cover book introduction: We often give thanks for the things in our lives that we are grateful for. In this book you will read about many of the things that Métis Elders give thanks for.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Métis Series. The Strong Readers Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.
This is a Level 10 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French HERE!
Additional Information
16 Pages | Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740708

Synopsis:
Level 8 - Back cover book introduction: Beads are small. They come in many colours. This book is about learning to make things with beads.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Métis Series. The Strong Readers Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.
This is a Level 8 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French: Je peux perler.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Book Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740715

Synopsis:
Level 6 - Back cover book introduction: Métis people have different ways of traveling over the land and water in the summer, fall, winter and spring. This book will show you some of the ways that Métis people can travel.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Métis Series. The Strong Readers Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.
This is a Level 6 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French: Les Métis voyagent!
Additional Information
16 Pages | Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740722

Synopsis:
Level 3 - Back cover book introduction: This book is about a Métis sash. This sash is made from 5 coloured threads. The threads are woven together. Weaving the threads together makes a sash very strong.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Métis Series. The Strong Readers Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.
This is a Level 3 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French: Ma ceinture fléchée métisse.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740739

Synopsis:
Level 14 - Back cover book introduction: A Métis vest is a piece of clothing. It is like a short jacket but it has no sleeves. It has buttons down the front. Métis women decorate the vests with colourful designs and fringes. There are pictures of two Métis vests in this book. Which one do you think would be the hardest to make? Why?
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Métis Series. The Strong Readers Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.
This is a Level 14 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French: Deux gilets métis.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740685

Synopsis:
Level 18 - Back cover book introduction: Métis mothers have many ways to carry their babies. This book will show you some of the ways that Métis mothers carried their babies long ago.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Readers Métis Series. The Strong Readers Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.
This is a Level 18 book in the series.
This resource is also available in French: Les façons de porter un bébé métis.
Additional Information
16 Pages | Dimensions: 6in x 9in | ISBN: 9781771740746
Learning Environment Resource

Synopsis:
This bulletin board trimmer features a Bear Clan design from Métis artist Leah Marie Dorion.
15 pieces cover nearly 44 feet around your bulletin board.
Each piece is 35" x 2.75".
Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771744621
Synopsis:
Colours in Michif is a flash card set for thirteen different colours.
Additional Information
- 8.5" x 11"