Overview

This 35-minute lesson introduces Grade 2 students to Canadian Indigenous groups, focusing on local Indigenous Nations in Alberta. Students will learn about diversity, traditions, and connections to the land through an interactive storytelling and craft activity.

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Curriculum Connections

Alberta Programs of Study: Social Studies - Grade 2

• Specific Learning Outcome:
  • SS2.1: Identify and describe the diverse First Nations and Métis peoples and communities of Alberta.
  • SS2.2: Describe how Indigenous peoples use and care for the land in Alberta, including traditional ways of life and resources.
• Competencies:
  • Communication: Respectfully listen and respond to others.
  • Critical Thinking: Compare diverse perspectives.
  • Cultural Awareness: Demonstrate respect for Indigenous cultures and histories.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify at least three Indigenous groups in Alberta (Cree, Blackfoot, Métis).
2. Recognize specific cultural elements such as traditional clothing, food, or stories.
3. Understand the connection between Indigenous peoples and the land.
4. Express respect for Indigenous traditions by creating a symbol from Indigenous cultures.

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Materials Needed

• Map of Alberta showing Indigenous territories
• Picture cards with Indigenous peoples (Cree, Blackfoot, Métis) and their cultural symbols
• A simple Indigenous story (related to the land or animals) prepared for storytelling
• Crayons, markers, coloured paper
• Worksheet: “My Indigenous Symbol” (See attached)
• Chart paper and markers

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Start with a brief discussion: “Who are the Indigenous peoples of Alberta?” Write students’ ideas on chart paper.
• Show the map of Alberta and point out the territories of Cree, Blackfoot, and Métis communities.
• Use picture cards to introduce each group with a cultural symbol (e.g., Cree moccasins, Blackfoot tipi, Métis sash).

2. Storytelling (7 minutes)

• Share a simple Indigenous oral story related to the land (e.g., a Cree story about the moose or a Blackfoot story about the buffalo).
• Ask students to listen carefully for details about nature and traditions.

3. Discussion & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Ask students what they learnt about the story and its significance to Indigenous people’s relationship with the land.
• Discuss how Indigenous peoples show respect for nature and animals.

4. Interactive Craft Activity (15 minutes)

• Hand out “My Indigenous Symbol” worksheets.
• Students will choose one cultural symbol they liked (from Cree, Blackfoot, Métis).
• Using crayons and coloured paper, students will colour and then draw or paste an element from that group’s culture (e.g., a feather, an animal, a sash pattern).
• Circulate the room to discuss student choices and reinforce respect and appreciation.

5. Wrap-up and Sharing (3 minutes)

• Invite a few students to share their craft and explain why they chose that symbol.
• Recap the importance of learning about different Indigenous groups and respecting their traditions.

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Assessment

• Observational: Teacher observes participation in discussion and storytelling engagement.
• Work Sample: Completed worksheet with an Indigenous cultural symbol coloured and explained.
• Oral: Student able to name at least two Indigenous groups and share one fact from the lesson.

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Extension Activity (Optional)

• Create a classroom Indigenous appreciation wall where students add symbols, stories, or facts they learn throughout the year.
• Invite a local Indigenous Elder or knowledge keeper for a future visit to share stories or traditional craft skills.

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Worksheet: My Indigenous Symbol

Instructions for Students:

1. Think about the story and the pictures of Indigenous groups we learned today.
2. Choose one symbol or item from Cree, Blackfoot, or Métis culture that you like.
3. Colour and decorate the symbol below.
4. In a sentence, write or dictate to the teacher why you chose that symbol.

[Include a large blank outline for colouring (e.g., a feather, tipi, or sash shape) plus lines below for the sentence.]

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This lesson plan directly aligns with Alberta’s Social Studies outcomes for Grade 2 Indigenous perspectives and encourages respectful engagement through storytelling, discussion, and creative expression. This multi-modal approach helps develop cultural understanding and critical thinking in young learners while meeting curriculum standards.