Kiskinohamâkan Youth Program
After 1885 when Métis leader Louis Riel was hanged fighting to protect the rights and lands of Métis and First Nations peoples, Métis families were terrified to practice their culture. For 120+ years they went into hiding, and suppressed their ways of life, languages, music, art, foods, and practices.
Métis people deserve to be heard. So in 2023, Logan Beauchamp and I decided to develop a program that shares Métis teachings with all children in schools. With the help of Rupertsland Institute, Métis Nation of Alberta's branch dedicated to education, training, and research, our program runs in school divisions across rural Alberta. We have reached students in Whitecourt, Hanna, Youngstown, and Consort and will be in Okotoks, Stettler, Big Valley, Byemoor, Donalda Colony, Barrhead, Gift Lake, and Paddle Prairie this spring.
We are grateful to bring our cultural practices to students across Alberta. Teachings include art based teachings like beadwork and finger weaving, land based teachings like hunting and harvesting stories and fish filleting, and traditional music and dance: the Métis fiddle and jig.
If you are interested in Kiskinohamâkan programming for your school, please get in touch with Rupertsland Institute at https://www.rupertsland.org/contact/
Hay hay for reading our story.
Stacey Wright
Mental Health Capacity Building Team for Success Program Manager
Northern Gateway Public Schools
"With the expertise of Logan and Alexa, I am hopeful to be able to offer Métis teachings to over 1000 students in our community. I hope to expand this collaborative effort to the rest of our schools in our division in the future. By doing so, we would not only enrich the educational
experience of our students but also contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society."
LaShawn Speck
ARIES Alternative Education Program Manager at Urban Native Youth Association
"Alexa was so awesome. We had youth that were super engaged, she had one of our quietest youths talking. I would consider that a breakthrough! We loved Alexa’s energy and what she brings to the classroom."
Gurpreet Bains
LA Matheson Secondary School
“The [beaded] dot art class was very engaging for my students. It was a grade 12 class but all students were deeply engaged and created some beautiful artwork. The presenter is kind and a master in her craft. Highly recommend this class to others.”