Cultural Exhibits

Cultural Exhibits were created with the purpose to integrate cultural teachings into the classrooms by your schools Indigenous Support Worker (ISW). Please connect with the ISW at your school and let them know which Cultural Exhibit you are interested in booking. 

Canoe Pulling & Traditions Gr. 8 - 12
75 minutes
Grades:
8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Students will learn about symbols of Coast Salish People, the paddle, the canoe and the cedar tree. Students will learn about the Coast Salish eye design and assemble a paddle keychain to keep.
 

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Desks cleared

Students will need:

  • Materials provided by the Indigenous Centre
  • Pencils & eraser

Time Frame:

75 minutes

2024 Canoe Pulling and Traditions - Grades 8-12.pdf

 

Cedar Gr. 4 - 12
1 hr 15 min
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

The presenter will explain how important the cedar tree was to the Stó:lō people. A video that demonstrates how Stó:lō people respectfully harvest the cedar tree will be shown. Many items created from the cedar tree will be shown to the classroom.
A worksheet will be sent to the teacher to complete with their class.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers are required
  • ​Access to a printer to print worksheet for students

Students will need:

  • Pencil

Time Frame:

1 hr. 15 min.

Video: The Cedar Tree

Additional Resources:

This video depicts the traditions of cedar.

Cedar Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Her Seven Brothers Gr. 1 - 5
60 Minutes
Grades:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The presenter will share a Cheyenne story Her Seven Brothers, by Paul Goble, that tells of the origin of the Big Dipper for the Cheyenne people.
A worksheet will be sent to the teacher to complete with their class.

Classroom Preparation: 

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required

Time Frame:

60 minutes 

Her Seven Brothers Lesson Plan 2021.pdf

History of Trade Beads Gr. 4 - 12
60 minutes
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Students will learn about the pre-contact and post contact history of trade beads in Canada. Students will also learn the importance of beading to Indigenous peoples of Canada. Students will assemble a beaded item to keep.
Materials required will be sent to the school by the Indigenous Centre prior to this presentation.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Desks cleared

Time Frame:

Elementary School: 60 minutes
Middle School: one scheduled block time

History of Trade Beads Lesson Plan 2021.pdf

How Deer are Important
60 minutes
Grades:
2, 3, 4, 5

The students will compare the origins of everyday clothing and items to the origins of traditional items and clothing. The presenter will show clothing, shoes, medicine pouch, drum and other items created from deer hide and natural materials for the students to examine. 
The presenter will leave a worksheet for the students to complete.

Classroom Preparation: 

  • Laptop with projector and speakers is required

Students will need:

  • Pencil
  • Worksheet to be printed by teacher

Time Frame:

60 minutes 

Deer are Important Lesson Plan 2021.pdf

Indigenous Peoples uses of Plants and Animals
45 minutes
Grades:
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3

The presenter will communicate knowledge of plants and animals that are important to Coast Salish people. The presenter will use photos, stuffed plants and animals to prompt student learning. The students will learn to sing a traditional song as well as learn a traditional dance.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required

Time Frame:

45 minutes

Indigenous Plants and Animals Lesson Plan 2021.pdf

Introduction to Inuit Culture
60 minutes
Grades:
3, 4, 5, 6

The presenter will communicate knowledge of Inuit people and their history in Canada. The presenter will use photos, artifacts and Traditional Inuit clothing to prompt student learning about Inuit culture. The students will get to create a watercolor picture of an igloo with the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in the background. Students will experience a northern lights simulation while listening to a traditional story.
A worksheet will be sent to the teacher to complete with their class.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required

Students Materials:

  • Materials required for this presentation will be sent by the Indigenous Centre

Time Frame:

60 minutes

Intro to Inuit Culture Lesson Plan 2021.pdf

Introduction to Métis Culture
90 minutes
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

The presenter will communicate knowledge of Métis people and their history in Canada. Students will generate a class web on the contributions and traditions of the Métis people to Canadian culture. The presenter will use photos, artifacts and Traditional Métis clothing to prompt student learning about the Métis culture. The presenter will also show introductory videos of Métis people, their traditions and contributions to Canadian culture.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required

Time Frame:

60 minutes

Videos:

Click here for the video "Métis Rosie"

Click here for the video "Métis Rhythms"

Additional Resources:

Click here for the video Metis Youth Express Yourself!
This is a link to Gabriel DuMont Institute that includes information on Metis people in Canada.

Intro to Metis Culture Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Inuit Sculptures
3 hours
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

The presenter will introduce Inuit sculptures to the class through the use of Inuit stories.
Photos of Inuit sculptures will be shown and students will be asked to imagine the story that inspired the carving. The presenter will then lead the students through a variety of sculpting steps to create their own version of an Inuit sculpture. Once the sculptures have been created they will need to bake for at least 30 minutes. Please note, during the baking the sculptures cannot be left unattended. Time permitting; students may have time to write and share stories that they have created.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • One or two ovens available for baking the sculptures for 30 minutes
  • Cleared desks

Time Frame:

Elementary Schools: 3 hours
Middle Schools: 3 blocks

 Inuit Sculptures Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

 

Kumak's Fish
60 Minutes
Grades:
1, 2, 3

Students will listen to a humorous Inuit story, Kumak’s Fish - A Tall Tale from the Far North, written by Michael Bania. This story emphasizes the Inuit virtues of patience, cooperation and sharing. This is an interactive exhibit combining imagination and physical movement. The presenter will show Inuit replicas during the presentation. Students are best seated in a circle for the story and will return to their desks for a snow goggle design activity. 
 

Classroom Preparation: 

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Cleared desk to complete activity

Students will need: 

  • Scissors
  • Felts/Pencil Crayons/Crayons

Time Frame:

60 minutes

Kumak's Fish Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Past and Present Venn Diagram Gr. 3 -12
90 minutes
Grades:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

The presenter will show a collection of five traditional Stó:lō fishing tools and artifacts for students to examine. Students will compare modern fishing tools to the traditional tools using a Venn diagram. Students will also discuss how traditional fishing technologies have influenced today’s society and the environmental impact.
A worksheet will be sent to the teacher to complete with their class.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers are required
  • Access to a printer to print worksheet for students

Students will need:

  • Pencil

Time Frame:

90 minutes

Fishing Tools PP 2021.pdf

Fishing Tools PP Venn Diagram.pdf

Paddle Necklace
60 minutes
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Students will learn about the Four Directions and a symbol of Coast Salish People: the Paddle. Students will assemble a paddle necklace to keep and then draw a personal symbol onto their necklace.
 

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Desks cleared

Students will need:

  • Materials provided by the Indigenous Centre
  • Pencil & erasers

Time Frame:

60 minutes

Additional Resources:

This video describes the process of youth learning about pictographs in the Coast Salish Territory.

Paddle Necklaces Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Rock Painting
60 minutes
Grades:
2, 3, 4, 5

Students will learn about the significance and history of pictographs and traditional rock paintings. They will decipher what they believe some pictographs communicated. Students will use a felt pen to draw a design on a polished rock. Examples of common pictograph designs will be sent to the teacher to print. Students will make their own design on rocks.
Materials required will be sent to the school by the Indigenous Centre prior to this presentation.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Desks cleared

Students will need:

  • Materials provided by the Indigenous Centre

Time Frame:

60 minutes

Additional Resources:

This video describes the process of youth learning about pictographs in the Sto:lo Nation.

Rock Painting Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Sharing Circle 1
60 minutes
Grades:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

The students will be introduced to the history, the purpose and the expectations of a sharing circle. Using the teachings of the sharing circle, the students will be encouraged to share information with their peers. The presentation emphasizes the use of patience and teaches the students respect for others while they are waiting their turn to speak.
A worksheet will be sent to the teacher to complete with their class.

Classroom Preparation: 

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Students to be sitting in a circle

Students will need: 

  • pencil 
  • crayons 
  • eraser 

Time Frame:

60 minutes 

Additional Resources:

Talking Circles Fact Sheet.
Teacher Toolkit - Talking Circles.

Sharing Circle 1 Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Sharing Circle 2
60 minutes
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

The students will be introduced to the history, the purpose and the expectations of a sharing circle. Using the teachings of the sharing circle, the students will be encouraged to share information with their peers. The presentation emphasizes the use of patience and teaches the students respect for others while they are waiting their turn to speak.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Students to be sitting in a circle

Students will need:

  • Print out of the Coast Salish Eye (to be printed out by teacher)

Time Frame:

60 Minutes

Additional Resources:

Talking Circles Fact Sheet.
Teacher Toolkit - Talking Circles.

Sharing Circle 2 Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

 

Stó:lō Fishing Tools and Implements
3 hours
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

The presenter will show a collection of traditional Stó:lō fishing tool replicas. Students will be given time to examine each tool and record information on a worksheet provided. The presenter will complete the presentation by providing information on each tool.
A worksheet will be sent to the teacher to complete with their class.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop with projector and speakers is required
  • Teacher can have students complete the worksheet alone or place the students into small groups

Students will need:

  • Pencil
  • Worksheet to be printed by teacher

Time Frame:

3 hours 

Stolo Fishing Tools and Implements Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

The Four Ladies
60 minutes
Grades:
3, 4, 5, 6

The presenter will show four traditional dolls representing four major Indigenous land regions. Students will view the map of Canada showing the areas for Eastern Woodland, Plains, Northwest Coast and Inuit. Students will be guided to the connection of natural resources found in each region to the clothing, shelter, food & transportation used by each of the dolls.
A worksheet will be sent to the teacher to complete with their class.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Desks cleared

Students will need:

  • Pencil
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors

Time Frame:

60 minutes

Four Ladies Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Salish Weaving Gr. 4-12
5 Hours
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

**The looms can be booked through the Ray & Millie Silver Library**

Warped small loom for each student (maximum 17 looms = 34 students) to produce their own weaving.
The presentation will begin with an explanation on the importance of Salish weaving to the Stó:lō people and explain the traditional weaving process from gathering the fleece to wearing the blankets. Examples of weaving patterns will be available for students to examine.
Elementary students will complete a small weaving that could be used as a personal wall hanging or as a gift. Middle School Students will complete a personal woven bracelet/cuff.
Materials required will be sent to the school by the Indigenous Centre prior to this presentation.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Desks cleared
  • Teacher may consider inviting one or two parents to assist students with their weaving.
  • Students arranged into pairs

Students will need:

  • Materials provided by the Indigenous Centre

Time Frame:

Elementary Schools: one full day
Middle Schools: 3 scheduled block times are needed

Salish Weaving Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Exploring Patterns Through Coast Salish Weaving Lesson Plan.pdf

Weaving Inquiry.pdf

The Return of the Buffaloes
60 minutes
Grades:
1, 2, 3, 4

The Presenter will read a Lakota story from the Plains region, The Return of the Buffaloes, written and illustrated by Paul Goble. Students will build and colour a paper parfleche (a traditional container made from rawhide).
A worksheet will be sent to the teacher to complete with their class.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Desks cleared

Students will need: 

  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Pencil crayons/crayons/felts

Time Frame:

60 minutes 

Return of the Buffalo Lesson Plan 2019.pdf

Warrior Sticks
90 minutes
Grades:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Using wooden doweling, students will make their own warrior stick. The four colours on the stick (black, red, yellow and white) symbolize a process for problem solving. This presentation is recommended for the beginning of the school year as an ongoing problem-solving tool to refer to.
Materials required will be sent to the school by the Indigenous Centre prior to this presentation.

Classroom Preparation:

  • Laptop and projector with speakers is required
  • Desks cleared

Students will Need:

  • Ruler
  • Pencil/pencil crayons/ crayons

Time Frame:

90 minutes

Warrior Sticks Lesson Plan (2021).pdf