Cree Moon Teachings
Here is a great resource about the Cree Moon Calendar Teachings from Etienna Moostoos-Lafferty. The moon calendar comes from the teachings of Elders in the amiskwaciy wâskahikan (Edmonton, Treaty 6) area. Cree moon teachings differ from region to region. Link to video here
tânsi, Hello, Bonjour, and Welcome Back!
September marks a new beginning for our school year and also a time to recognize an important part of Canada’s history. As we approach Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, we are reminded of the lasting impacts of residential schools and the responsibility we all share in building understanding, respect, and healing. This month invites us to learn, reflect, and walk together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation as we create safe and inclusive spaces for all students.
Orange Shirt Day is a day of remembrance and reflection to honor Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced to attend residential schools in Canada. It was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor whose brand-new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school, symbolizing the loss of culture, identity, and childhood. The day serves as a reminder that “Every Child Matters” and calls on all Canadians to learn about the impacts of residential schools, recognize the resilience of survivors, and commit to truth and reconciliation.
Feather Activity by J.E Lapointe Students
For Orange Shirt Day, classes can design feathers that will come together to form the wings of a bird. Each student can complete a feather using the sentence starter “Every Child is…” and add their own words, drawings, or symbols. When assembled, the wings will symbolize the strength, beauty, and resilience of all children, reminding us that every child matters.
Puzzle Piece by Ecole Leduc Junior High Students
For Orange Shirt Day, students/classes can create a puzzle piece that reflects what reconciliation means to them. Students may add drawings, words, or symbols, and the pieces can be joined together to form a school-wide mural showing that every child matters and that reconciliation is something we build together.
Where the River Speaks: Stories of Place and Kinship (Dwayne Donald)
Interested in learning more about our North Saskatchewan River? In this video, Dr. Dwayne Donald shares the history of the River and its deep significance to the Indigenous peoples who have lived along its banks for thousands of years. His teachings invite us to reflect on the stories of place, kinship, and responsibility that continue to shape how we live and learn today.
Video Link HERE
See more of Dwayne's work HERE
Free 1-Hour Virtual Workshop
Tuesday, Sept 23 · 4pm PT / 7pm ET
Join Sarah-Anne Tourond (Anishinaabe & Métis) and Launa Payne (Douglas / Xa’xtsa First Nation) as they share Indigenous teachings and resources for educators. This session offers ways to begin the school year with purpose—building awareness, relationships, and connections to Indigenous Ways of Knowing that you can bring into your own learning spaces.
Link HERE
Curriculum Resource Websites
Explore a diverse collection of lesson plans from the University of British Columbia, thoughtfully designed to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge. Click here or on the image to the left to access these valuable resources.
Curriculum connections through Indigenous Ways of Knowing. Includes any specific curriculum connections related to the current Alberta curriculum and will be updated as needed.
This website has been developed to provide supports for infusing Cree ways of knowing and being into curriculum. Find planning supports, videos, learning guides, and grade-specific documents for Alberta Kindergarten to Grade 12 English Language Arts and Literature, Math, Social Studies, and Science curriculum.
The Cree Language and Stories Drive is currently being developed to provide teachers with a rich resource for integrating Cree language and storytelling into their classrooms. This initiative aims to support educators in authentically incorporating traditional language and cultural narratives, fostering a deeper connection to Cree heritage for students.
The Cree Dictionary of Mathematical Terms provides 176 Cree translations of math terms with English definitions, culturally relevant visuals, and audio pronunciations by an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper. Reviewed by Elders, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and Cree-speaking educators, it’s a valuable tool for integrating Cree language into math education.
mwestas (mway-stas) | See you later!