Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life

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Program Description

Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life builds cultural experience and education by inviting students to interact with a new, 10-panel travelling exhibit and hands-on artifacts. This program explores the historic and continuing relationships and cultural ties between the Métis people and the buffalo. This travelling exhibit was developed by Elk Island National Park, the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert, and a Métis advisory committee, with programming developed by the Western Development Museum.

The central component of the program is the exploration and interaction with the travelling exhibit. The exhibit is comprised of 10 panels and showcases Métis voices and stories through a blend of storytelling, educational information, and original artworks by Métis artist Jesse Gouchey. Students will interact with the panels and learn about the Métis people, with an emphasis on the relationship these communities have with the buffalo, a vital resource for the Métis way of life.

In addition to the exhibit, this program incorporates a selection of Indigenous and Métis hands-on artifacts in the Western Development Museum collection, as students identify and learn about their significance and usage within traditional, land-based knowledge. Museum staff will lead students as they engage with both the exhibit and artifacts.

Following the Museum-led program (~40 minutes), the students, guided by the teacher and chaperones, may visit the rest of the Museum.

Curriculum Connections

Social Studies DR 4.2
Explain relationships of First Nations and Metis peoples with the land.

Social Studies DR 4.3
Analyze the implications of the Treaty relationships in Saskatchewan

Social Studies IN 4.1
Analyze how First Nations and Metis people have shaped and continue to share Saskatchewan.

Social Studies IN 5.1
Demonstrate an understanding of the Aboriginal heritage of Canada

Social Studies DR 6.3
Appraise the strategies human societies have used to orient themselves within time and place in the natural environment.

Social Studies IN 8.1
Investigate the meaning of culture and origins of Canadian diversity

Social Studies DR 8.1
Develop and understanding of the significance of land on the evolution of Canadian identity

Social Studies DR 8.2
Describe the influence of the treaty relationship on Canadian identity

Social Studies IN 9.3
Analyze the ways a worldview is expressed in daily life of a society

Social Studies IN 9.4
Determine the influence of worldview on the choices, decisions, and interactions in a society

Program Type

Museum-Led

WDM staff or volunteers will lead you and your students through set programming. Museum staff or volunteers will:

• Greet your group when you arrive to introduce the program and review the Museum rules.
• Ensure that all required materials are ready.
• Lead and facilitate program activities.

Note: Chaperones are still required and will be asked to help students with some activities. Your students may not have a chance to explore the whole Museum as part of any one program.