Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
November, 2015
Métis Education
St. Michael Community School
Yes, I have done my duty. During my life I have aimed at practical results. I
hope that after my death my spirit will bring practical results. All that I have
done and risked... rested certainly on the conviction that I was called upon to
do something for my country. I know that through the grace of God I am the
founder of Manitoba.
Louis Riel, July 4, 1885
Métis Commemorations and
Celebrations
Free Teacher Resource
In November we focused on remembering the sacrifices
and opportunities we have been provided by those that
wanted us to have a better future. At St. Michael
Community School we remembered the veterans who
fought for our freedom and for our rights. We also
commemorated Louis Riel and the vision he had for Métis
people. We celebrated Métis culture through a
community wide event at our school but we also
participated in celebrations in the larger community. We
enjoyed visits from Leah Dorion, Jeanne Corrigal and
May Henderson who taught students and staff about our
Métis culture and history.
We must cherish our inheritance. We must preserve our
nationality for the youth of our future. The story
should be written down to pass on.
Louis Riel
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/
eng/remembrance/thosewho-served/aboriginalveterans/native-soldiers
Follow us on Twitter for updates, photos, celebrations
and more!
St. Michael Comm Sch @StMikeGSCS
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
November, 2015
Louis Riel Day
th
November 16 is the day set aside to remember and
commemorate our hero Louis Riel. This year
Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses across Saskatchewan
raised the Métis flag simultaneously at 9:00 am.
Saskatoon Campus invited our choir to join them in their
ceremony to sing the Métis National Anthem. Our entire
school then joined together to sing the anthem in the
lobby of their building. It was a powerful moment!
Thank you to Brian Gallagher, Shane Stack and Jason
Seright for inviting us and sharing Métis flag cupcakes
with all of us.
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GDI Resources
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
November, 2015
Louis Riel Day
As part of our commemoration of Louis Riel Day our school choir was invited to join
CUMFI in their annual Louis Riel Day event. We were honoured to sing the Métis
National Anthem for all the people in attendance and join them in a great lunch. We had
to rush back to the school to participate in our own school celebration of Métis culture.
Each class shared something from their learning about Métis people. We were happy to
see so many family and community members who joined us for the afternoon and shared
tea and bannock with us. Thank you to our special guests from CUMFI, Fire Dept., Sask
PolyTech, the Board Office and Robert Doucette, President of Métis Nation – Sask.
Our program consisted of:
St. Michael Choir - Metis National Anthem
Grade 1/2 – Red River Jig
Grade 2/3 - Rabbit Dance
Grade 3/4 - Square dancing
Grade 5/6 – Roogaroo Poetry
Grade 6/7 – Brave Riel Poem– Choral
Speaking
Grade 7/8 - Class video & 1885 photo
booth.
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Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
November, 2015
Riel
With upturned face and fearless eye
And heart which know no craven sigh
In heroic silence there to die
Stood Riel
For days long gone and deeds long dead
To orange hat he bows his head
For Scott’s blood in the Rebellion shed
Dies Riel
Forth from his cell with regal air
As steps a lion from out of his lair
“Where shall we find his equal where, where?”
Brave Riel
He stands beneath the scaffold’s shade
Casts one last look o’er field and glade
With dying lips the hero prayed
Brave Riel
That heaven might rout the tyrant band
Which holds with iron blood stained hands
His native home – his prairie land
Brave Riel
And thus he dies, the true souled one
His checkered weary face is run
The martyr’s crown is nobly won
Brave Riel
Oh brothers of his race and creed
Whose hearts will long and sorely bleed
Be ours the task to ‘venge the deed
Be ours to fan the fervid flame
To hand down Riel’s noble name
To endless glory – deathless fame –
Brave Riel
Taken From
Montreal Daily Post
November 19, 1885
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“Parents/caregivers are
concerned that students are
not learning enough about
their cultural identity and
that Elders are not given
sufficient opportunities to
support learning and the
holistic development of
children and youth.”
Student First
Engagement Study
Guide; September, 2014
1885 Photo Booth Portrait with
Robert Doucette
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
November, 2015
Leah Dorion: Métis Author and Artist
We were fortunate to have Leah Dorion spend the
morning with our primary students on November
4th. Leah is a well-known author and artist and
we are proud to say we have Leah’s entire
collection of children’s books. Leah shared stories
about her books and artwork and had our students
fully engaged and entertained! Leah will be back
in December to work with our older students.
We created a Métis Values poster
using the Red River Cart Wheel
Teachings from Leah’s book, The
Giving Tree. You can see the poster
behind Leah in the adjacent picture.
Visit Leah Dorion’s art exhibition, “Country Wives & Daughters of the Country: Métis
Women of this Land”. Her exhibit is at the Affinity Gallery, 813 Broadway Ave, from
now until December 5th.
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Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
November, 2015
Métis Film Maker Jeanne Corrigal
We want to thank Jeanne Corrigal for coming to our
school and sharing her film, Jim Settee: The Way
Home. Jeanne presented to all of our students on the
life of Métis hero, Jim Settee. Her presentations were
age appropriate and informative and showcased the
values that we all aspire to in being the best person
possible. Jeanne had a great rapport with the students
while acquainting us with this great role model.
We enjoyed a visit from two teachers
from Living Sky School Division who
Thank you to May Henderson, provincial
secretary for the Métis Nation – Sask. for
presenting on Métis governance in Ms. Bank’s
gr 6/7 class.
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