Education
Storytelling
Storytelling is a vital aspect of Métis life. Storytelling is how Métis knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. Stories are how the older generations can share about life lessons, experiences, history, beliefs, and kinship. It is very common for these stories to include humour which made them entertaining as well.
Métis Author and Knowledge Keeper sharing a short story about Roogaroos
Oral storytelling also plays a large role in keeping traditional languages alive. It was important that stories were told in the same language that they were first heard in so that no meaning was lost in translation.
Children’s Games and Activities
Historically, education was not taught in a traditional schoolroom. The way Métis children learned was heavily influenced by the First Nations culture, with much of the learning taking place on the land. Older generations would teach the younger generations. Children would shadow adults as they worked, with girls later going on to assist with preparing food and boys attending the men on hunts.
La Vyay (Elder) teaching how to dry meat on the fire for making pemmican
Games
The games that Métis children would play when they were growing up often translated to real-life skills that would help them become successful later in life. Some of the skills include critical thinking, hand-eye coordination, observation awareness, and quick decision making.
Tag relies on speed and making quick decisions!
Some commonly played games were hide-and-seek, cats cradle, canny can, ring and pin (toss and catch) games, and playing with dolls, small bow and arrows, and wooden guns. These games would be helpful for them in the future when starting to hunt or source food.