Metis Week November 15

Every November, Alberta celebrates Métis Week—a time to recognize and honour the history, culture, and contributions of the Métis Nation. The week is held annually around November 16, the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution in 1885. Riel, a courageous Métis leader, is remembered as a defender of Métis rights, language, and land. His vision of justice and self-determination continues to inspire Métis people and Canadians alike.

Métis Week is a celebration of a culture that blends Indigenous and European roots. Across Alberta, communities host cultural gatherings, flag raisings, traditional jigging, fiddling, and educational events that highlight Métis heritage and contributions to our province’s story.

This week encourages all Albertans to learn more about Métis history and to reflect on the strength, pride, and resilience of the Métis people. By recognizing Métis Week, we honour a vital part of Alberta’s identity.

Otipemisiwak—the people who own themselves—remain a proud and thriving part of Alberta’s past, present, and future.

See below for an Adult Learning Lesson Plan on Métis Week in Alberta. We used the customizable Lesson Plan template from the Foundational Learning Lesson Planning eLearning.

Customizable Lesson Plan Template Metis Week Lesson Plan

Métis Week Lesson Plan: Honouring Métis History, Culture, and Contributions

Dates: November 15–22, 2025

Duration: 60 minutes (adjustable)

Materials: Métis flag or image, short video or presentation, handout (sash, fiddle, Red River cart), discussion questions, projector or screen

#1 Check-in with learner (5 minutes)

Goal: Build connection and introduce the purpose of Métis Week.

Facilitator Prompts:

Welcome everyone and introduce Métis Week.
Ask: “What comes to mind when you think of Métis culture or Louis Riel?”
Invite learners to share one word or image they associate with Métis history.

#2 Check on previous lesson (10 minutes)

Goal: Connect Métis Week learning to previous sessions (if applicable).

Facilitator Prompts:

“Last time, we talked about cultural identity in Alberta. How does Métis culture fit into that story?”
Ask if learners explored or noticed any Métis-related topics since the last session.
Decide whether to review a past skill (e.g., identifying cultural symbols) or move into new material.

#3 Access learner’s prior knowledge of new topic (5 minutes)

Goal: Activate curiosity and connect new content to what learners already know.

Facilitator Prompts:

“What do you already know about Louis Riel and Métis history?”
“Why do you think Métis Week is celebrated in Alberta?”
“What questions or curiosities do you have about Métis culture?”

#4 & #5 Skill development activity OR explicit teaching with practice activities (30 minutes)

Goal: Deepen understanding of Métis history, culture, and contributions through interactive learning.

Activity 1: Learning About Métis Heritage

Watch a short video or presentation on Métis history in Alberta.
Highlight key cultural symbols and traditions:

Sash – symbol of identity and practicality.
Jigging and fiddle music – expressions of joy and cultural pride.
Language (Michif) – the unique language of the Métis Nation.

Discuss: “How have Métis people influenced Alberta’s history and identity?”

Practice (Learner Involvement):

Match cultural symbols to their meanings on a handout.
Identify examples of Métis influence in local communities.

Activity 2 (if time allows): Métis Cultural Celebration

Listen to a short piece of Métis fiddle music.
Learn the basic steps of a traditional jig or clap along to the rhythm.
Reflect: “What feelings or stories do you sense in this music?”

Practice (Learner Involvement):

Try the rhythm, movement, or clapping sequence.
Share personal reactions or insights.

#6 Review of lesson (5 minutes)

Goal: Reinforce key takeaways and ensure understanding.

Facilitator Prompts:

“What stood out to you today?”
“What is one new thing you learned about Métis people or culture?”
Summarize key messages: pride, resilience, and contributions of the Métis Nation.

#7 Practice between lessons (5 minutes)

Goal: Encourage ongoing learning and community connection.

With the learner, plan ways to continue learning: