Activity Overview
Métis Peoples of Canada are famous leaders, artists, athletes, activists and much more! Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives and diverse perspectives of different people. Students will research a person and then create a biography poster highlighting their accomplishments.
These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room as a visual reminder of notable people from the Metis Nation. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person, thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Important Métis Peoples
- Howard Adams, Métis activist, author, and leader
- Pierre Bottineau, Minnesota frontiersman, surveyor, diplomat. and translator
- Michel "Mitch" Bouyer, Métis of French Canadian and Sioux ancestry; interpreter, and guide
- James P. Brady, Métis politician and activist
- Pierre Delorme, Métis politician and activist
- Gabriel Dumont, Métis military leader during the North-West Rebellion
- Cuthbert Grant, Métis political and military leader
- John Norquay, Métis politician, Premier of Manitoba from 1878 to 1887
- Malcolm Norris, Métis politician, activist, and leader
- Louis Riel, Métis leader
- Keith Barker, playwright
- Joe Fafard artist
- Sandra Birdsell, novelist
- Robert Boyer, artist
- Maria Campbell, writer and filmmaker
- George R. D. Goulet, author
- Dylan Miner, artist
- Gregory Scofield, acclaimed poet, beadwork artist, dramatist, non-fiction writer, activist and educator
- Kamala Todd, community planner, filmmaker, curator
- Loretta Todd, filmmaker, producer, cultural theorist
- Katherena Vermette, writer
- Arlette Alcock, musician, songwriter, and social activist
- Andrea Menard, actress, playwright, and singer; Métis
- Thelma J Chalifoux, Métis ; community activist; First Aboriginal Woman appointed to the Senate of Canada
- Shelly Glover, Métis ; Member of Parliament
- Dan Vandal, Métis ; Member of Parliament
- Arron Asham, professional ice hockey player
- Tantoo Cardinal, actress; of Métis and Cree ancestry
- Roseanne Supernault, actress; Métis of Cree descent
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous or notable person that is of Métis heritage. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
- Choose a person.
- Using school resources, conduct some research and learn more about your chosen person.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth (and death if applicable). Choose a character that resembles your person. Add words and images to describe your person’s accomplishments.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, accomplishments.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Métis Peoples of Canada are famous leaders, artists, athletes, activists and much more! Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives and diverse perspectives of different people. Students will research a person and then create a biography poster highlighting their accomplishments.
These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room as a visual reminder of notable people from the Metis Nation. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person, thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Important Métis Peoples
- Howard Adams, Métis activist, author, and leader
- Pierre Bottineau, Minnesota frontiersman, surveyor, diplomat. and translator
- Michel "Mitch" Bouyer, Métis of French Canadian and Sioux ancestry; interpreter, and guide
- James P. Brady, Métis politician and activist
- Pierre Delorme, Métis politician and activist
- Gabriel Dumont, Métis military leader during the North-West Rebellion
- Cuthbert Grant, Métis political and military leader
- John Norquay, Métis politician, Premier of Manitoba from 1878 to 1887
- Malcolm Norris, Métis politician, activist, and leader
- Louis Riel, Métis leader
- Keith Barker, playwright
- Joe Fafard artist
- Sandra Birdsell, novelist
- Robert Boyer, artist
- Maria Campbell, writer and filmmaker
- George R. D. Goulet, author
- Dylan Miner, artist
- Gregory Scofield, acclaimed poet, beadwork artist, dramatist, non-fiction writer, activist and educator
- Kamala Todd, community planner, filmmaker, curator
- Loretta Todd, filmmaker, producer, cultural theorist
- Katherena Vermette, writer
- Arlette Alcock, musician, songwriter, and social activist
- Andrea Menard, actress, playwright, and singer; Métis
- Thelma J Chalifoux, Métis ; community activist; First Aboriginal Woman appointed to the Senate of Canada
- Shelly Glover, Métis ; Member of Parliament
- Dan Vandal, Métis ; Member of Parliament
- Arron Asham, professional ice hockey player
- Tantoo Cardinal, actress; of Métis and Cree ancestry
- Roseanne Supernault, actress; Métis of Cree descent
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous or notable person that is of Métis heritage. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
- Choose a person.
- Using school resources, conduct some research and learn more about your chosen person.
- On the poster, include your person’s name and dates of birth (and death if applicable). Choose a character that resembles your person. Add words and images to describe your person’s accomplishments.
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, accomplishments.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least five important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than five important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items that are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. They enhance the poster by symbolizing or illustrating important facts about the figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes, characters and items is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Métis Nation Biographies
Organize a Classroom Gallery Walk to Celebrate Métis Biographies
Showcase student work by setting up a gallery walk where classmates view and discuss each other’s posters. This interactive approach boosts engagement and deepens understanding of Métis heritage.
Arrange posters around the classroom at eye level
Display each student’s biography poster on walls or desks so all are easily visible. Ensuring posters are at eye level makes them inviting and accessible for all students.
Assign students to small groups for the walk
Divide your class into groups of 3–5 students. Smaller groups help manage movement and allow everyone time to observe each poster closely.
Provide question prompts for peer discussion
Hand out question cards like: "What accomplishment stands out?" or "How did this person impact their community?" Prompts guide students to think critically and spark meaningful conversations.
Rotate groups so all students visit each poster
Set a timer for each station and signal when it’s time to move. This ensures every student views all posters and learns about a diverse range of Métis leaders and creators.
Facilitate a class reflection after the gallery walk
Gather students to share what inspired them or surprised them during the walk. Reflecting as a group reinforces learning and celebrates the achievements of Métis individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Métis Nation Biographies
What is a Métis Nation biography poster activity for students?
A Métis Nation biography poster activity asks students to research a notable Métis person and create a poster showing their image, name, important dates, and accomplishments. This helps students learn about Métis culture and history while developing research, writing, and presentation skills.
How can I help students choose a notable Métis person for their project?
Provide students with a list of famous Métis individuals from different fields—such as leaders, artists, athletes, and activists—or let them explore resources about Métis history. Encourage students to pick someone who inspires them or aligns with their interests.
What should be included on a Métis biography poster for grades 4-6?
A biography poster should feature the person’s name, image, birth and death dates (if applicable), and key accomplishments. Adding descriptive words, relevant images, and a short summary of their impact makes the poster engaging and informative.
Why is it important for students to learn about Métis leaders and artists?
Learning about Métis leaders and artists fosters a deeper understanding of Canada’s diverse history, promotes respect for Indigenous cultures, and highlights the achievements and perspectives of the Métis Nation, helping build empathy and cultural awareness in students.
Where can I find templates or resources for Métis biography poster activities?
You can find biography poster templates and teaching resources on educational websites, Indigenous education portals, or by searching for ‘Métis biography poster template’. Many sites offer free, printable materials suitable for grade 4-6 classrooms.
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