FNMI Perspective of Heroes and Heroines

Teachers:To support this power point the following NESD FNMI bundles can help with your unit: - FNMI Role Model Bundle- First Nation Veterans Bundle

What is a Hero or heroine? Brainstorm words that describe a hero or heroine and create a list with your class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJdKJ9Qc_Fo

The Story of the Sky Woman 1:31

The First Nation people(s) have an oral history that has many Creation stories. Each First Nation has their own version that involves the beginning of their place on Turtle Island.The following is a short perspective from the Haudenosaunee (Mohawk) nation.

In the Cree version Wasakechak was the first to be on Turtle Island so that he could learn from the plants and animals the ways for humans to survive and live on Mother Earth. This is how legends and oral stories came to be. When the legends and traditional stories are told we all have a role – listen and learn!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u2HxpUtVPkSylvia McAdam – Wesakechak 4:51

On Turtle Island there were many First Nation cultures and allhave their version of Trickster.In our place as humans on Mother Earth we all existed asinterconnected beings to all that is on Mother Earth. We are part of the circle of life.The Trickster is our first Hero for helping us to survive life onTurtle Island.

Non First Nation way of looking at life:Man is at top and everything is under him.Like being first and last.

Traditional First Nation Worldview:Everything belongs in the circle. Nothingis first or last.

First Nation people(s) had no word for hero or heroines. First Nations had ceremonies to earn rights and privileges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4nTZH3jdZIAPACHE COMING OF AGE CEREMONY from Homeland Nation 1:48

When the Europeans settled on Turtle Island they introduced their language of English and among the may words hero and heroine was a part of their teachings.

The books had words and stories about heros and heroines but they were not about First Nation people(s).

Now First Nation people can have their own schools.

First Nation people can write their own books.

First Nation people(s) now share stories and celebrateheros and heroines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyvrBOGorNATommy Prince, Canadian Hero of War 4:16

http://1812.gc.ca/eng/1317828221939/1317828660198

Heroes of the War of 1812

Tecumseh, Shawnee War Chief, who joined the British against the Americans in the War of 1812. Major John Norton, Six Nations War Chief during the

War of 1812, who recruited hundreds Six Nations and Delaware warriors to assist the British forces at several key battles during the War.

◦John Brant , (Dekarihokenh, Ahyouwaeghs, or Tekarihogen), Mohawk War Chief (1794-1832)

(No Image)◦Matthew Elliott, British Indian Department Superintendent, (approx. 1739-1814)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/top-10-indigenous-heroes-includes-elijah-harper-alanis-obomsawin-1.2678637

Top Indigenous Heroes

1. Elijah Harper 2. Alanis Obomsawin 3. Louis Riel 4. Tom Longboat 5. Rosemarie Kuptana 6. Chief Dan George 7. Hiawatha 8. Daphne Odjig 9. Harold Cardinal 10. Kateri Tekakwitha

Now it is time to do your own research and help celebrate FNMI heros and heroines?

https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1395156835492/1395156927764

E’Kosi – I am doneKinanaskomitin – Thank you to one personKinanaskomitinawaw – Thank you to morethan one personThank you for recognizing a FNMI Hero or Heroine.

Sharon MeyerNorth East School DivisionFirst Nation and Metis Instruction Consultant (306) 401 - 7848