Author: Peel District School Board

Some First Nations legends were used to explain the natural world around them, for example, how the raccoon got its face mask. Read at least 3 of these “Centre 1” legends and fill in the chart below.

Story Title	Aspect of the Natural World being Explained	Which First Nations group wrote this story?	Summary of how this legend explains the natural world

Title
Read the creation stories (Centre 2). These stories were written by First Nations groups to explain how the world around them was created. Your job is to choose your favourite creation story, and create a storyboard for it below, and on the back. There are 6 frames to retell the story, so only the 6 most important ideas are going to be on your storyboard.

1
2
3

continued

4
5
6

Fables are short stories that have a message, or a moral. Read the First Nations fables. Read the Centre 3/4 fables. Choose the fable that has the moral that you think is most important. Design a poster on 11x17 paper that illustrates the moral. Make sure you include the moral on the poster. The poster should be attractive, neat, colourful, and easy to read.

At this station, you will have the opportunity to write your very own legend! Your legend must be no longer than 1.5 pages and should explain how something came to be in it’s current form. For example, how the chipmunk got its white lines on its back or why the raccoon has a mask!
Be creative and make sure your story talks about something that is alive and exists today!
Don’t forget a title!

There are Cinderella stories from many cultures. Several First Nations groups have Cinderella stories—three of them are Sootface, The Turkey Girl and The Rough-Face Girl.
Read the classic Cinderella story, and the 3 First Nations Cinderella stories from the “Centre 5” books. Choose one of the First Nations Cinderella stories and use the chart below to compare them

Traditional
Cinderella

First Nations Cinderella

Comparison Criteria	What’s different?	What’s the same?	What’s Different?

With a partner in your group, read the “Centre 6” stories that have a strong environmental message. After you read, discuss different ways that aboriginals showed their respect of nature. Provide examples below.

Book	How the story demonstrates aboriginals’ respect for nature

Art Acitivity
*This activity should be completed only when other centres are full or when you have extra time
As is the case with all aboriginal groups, the Haida people of the Northwest Coast use animals as their principal symbols in art. In this activity, you will read about the various animal symbols below and choose one (or a few) that connect with your personality and create a piece of Haida art of your own. You can search the internet for additional samples if you choose. Notice the colours used as this MUST be the case with your art piece.
You will get one piece of good copy paper, so it is expected that you create a rough copy before requesting paper for the final product.
—>See Mr. Noad’s frog example as a guide

Bear— The bear was considered the protector of the animal kingdom. After killing the bear, the Haida would sprinkle eagle down feathers on it before bringing it to the tribe. This was a show of respect for the bear.

Frog—The frog lives in two worlds, water and land, so it is respected for its adaptability, knowledge and power to move between worlds and live in both. Frogs are important spirit helpers of shamans. Frog's songs are believed to contain divine power and magic. Frog is a great communicator and is thought to be the voice of the people.

Eagle—The noble Eagle is seen as a symbol of power and prestige. Eagle also has a strong connection to peace.

Hummingbird— The hummingbird is thought of as a messenger of joy. It is a symbol of friendship, playfulness and good luck in Northwest Coast art and culture.

Salmon—The Pacific Northwest Coast people believed that Salmon were actually humans with eternal life who lived in a large house far under the ocean. In the Spring, they put on their Salmon disguises and offered themselves to the villagers as food.

Raven—The Raven is the creator. He is known in legends as the one who released the sun, moon, and stars, discovered man in a clamshell, brought the salmon and the water, and taught man how to fish and hunt. The Raven is famous for being mischievous. He was always out to please himself and have a good time, but his adventures always ended up being good for mankind.

Wolf— Wolves mate for life and live in close family units and usually travel in packs. They are a family-oriented symbol in West Coast Native culture.

Thunderbird—The Thunderbird is a mythical creature. Only the most powerful Chiefs have the Thunderbird as a crest. It has supernatural powers and is thought to have created the storms. The Thunderbird was known as a protector of the people. and deeply revered.

Killer Whale—The Haida had great respect for the killer whale’s power and size. It was believed it could capture a canoe and take it underwater to change the occupants into Whales. So they thought a whale near the shore was a human transformed and trying to communicate with his family. The Killer Whale's song is said to be so beautiful that all creation is said to stop and listen to it. It is also said that to be splashed by a killer whale is to ensure great luck and happiness. The Whale is a popular symbol for romance as they mate for life. The Whale, like the Wolf, stays with its family and travel in large pods .