Grade 3 · Social Studies · Unit 4 of 5
Nations, languages and Elders' knowledge
First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada today: many distinct Nations and languages, Elders as knowledge keepers, and how oral history and traditions pass knowledge between generations. Includes short reading passages.
Yukon Curriculum learning standard: Cultural characteristics and ways of life of local First Peoples; knowledge passed down through oral history, traditions and collective memory
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
What language is Leo learning?
Leo is Métis. His grandmother speaks Michif, the language of the Métis. She teaches Leo new words every week.
At a community gathering, Leo's uncle plays the fiddle, and people of all ages get up to jig.
“When you learn our language,” Grandma says, “you help keep it strong for the next generation.”
Michif
Hint: Look at the first paragraph. Michif is the language of the Métis.
Question 2
What does Leo's uncle play at the gathering?
Leo is Métis. His grandmother speaks Michif, the language of the Métis. She teaches Leo new words every week.
At a community gathering, Leo's uncle plays the fiddle, and people of all ages get up to jig.
“When you learn our language,” Grandma says, “you help keep it strong for the next generation.”
the fiddle
Hint: Look at the second paragraph. Fiddle music and jigging are Métis traditions.
Question 3
Canada has more than 600 First Nations. What does this tell us?
there are many Nations, each with its own culture
Hint: Each First Nation has its own language, history, traditions and territory.
Question 4
Why are Indigenous place names important?
they hold knowledge about the land and its history
Hint: Many Indigenous place names describe the land or tell what happened there.
Question 5
Where do Indigenous peoples in Canada live today?
in cities, towns and their own communities
Hint: Indigenous peoples are part of communities all across Canada today.
Question 6
Many Indigenous languages are spoken in Canada. How are communities keeping them strong?
teaching them to children at home and in school
Hint: Elders, families and schools teach Indigenous languages so young people can speak them.