HUMILITY – Seven Grandfather Teachings, Métis Artist Christi Belcourt

Students will be able to:

1. Find and identify an interesting flower;
2. Paint the flower on a stone in the style of Christi Belcourt;
3. Use Model Magic to create 3-dimensional forms of an animal, and a self-portrait;
4. Communicate the meaning of the Grandfather teaching, humility, through human, animal, and plant connections/relationships; and
5. Share their understanding of the artwork, Our Lives are in the Land, painted in 2014 by Métis artist Christi Belcourt.

1. Take students on a nature walk observing the plants and animals in the area. Discuss why both plants and animals are essential for life.
2. Brainstorm what we can do to help promote and care for the natural habitat in your area.
3. Have students further explore and research plants in their community, identifying and discovering the uses of local plants.
4. Explore mandalas. Discover why and how people around the world create mandalas. Have students make their own mandala.

1. Prior to this lesson download images from the Internet, or find images in books or magazines of flowers in Ontario. The following link has a list of wild flowers growing in Ontario, 
   Wildflowers
2. Explore the Anishnaabeg Bimaadiziwin: An Ojibwe Peoples Resource, website from Georgian College, to deepen your understanding of the 7 Grandfather teachings, use the following link, 
   Resource
3. Download images from the Internet, or find images in books or magazines of Christi Belcourt's artwork, Our Lives are in the Land, (2014). The following link has images of the artwork,
   Christi Belcourt
4. Discuss the artwork, and the artist's intended message. Reflect on the importance of plants and animals to the lives of people.
5. The Traditonal Teachings Handbook, from the Native Women's Centre will provide background information for the teacher on the 7 Grandfather Teachings from the perspective of the authors. It is available in pdf form at the following link,
   Teachings Booklet
6. Download the following pdf and read about the Seven Sacred Teachings, Niizhwaaswi gagiikwewin, by David Bouchard & Dr. Joseph Martin, paintings by Kristy Cameron, 
   Seven Sacred Teachings
   This pdf and or video will give you background knowledge about the 7 Grandfather teachings from the perspective of the writers.
7. Download this second link which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings from a child's perspective,
   Sacred Teachings
   The paintings and writings about the 'Seven Sacred Teachings' can be shared with the students. Make sure students understand who wrote the teachings and where they are from. First Nations Peoples from different communities will have different understandings and perspectives on the 7 Grandfather teachings.
8. Download, The Seven Grandfather Teachings, by Rabbit and Bear Paws, Seven Grandfather Teachings, 
   Rabbit and Bear Paws
   The Seven Grandfather Teachings, by Rabbit and Bear Paws can be shared and reflected on daily (one teaching each day) with the students.

1. Introduce the 7 Grandfather teachings and the meaning of each human quality.
2. Have a class discussion about the Grandfather teaching humility, and how it is connected to the natural world and our relationship to plants and animals. Ask students to share an example from their own life in which they have made connections to the Grandfather teaching humility.
3. Introduce students to the Métis artist, Christi Belcourt. View and discuss Our Lives are in the Land, (2014), focusing on the meaning of the images she painted, the message she is communicating, and how her painting is connected to the Grandfather teaching humility.
4. Take students on a nature walk with cameras and/or sketchbooks. Ask students to find a flower they are interested in and photograph or sketch the flower.
5. If possible, take students to an area where they can find a large flat stone. Students must ask permission before using a stone for their artwork, and remind students to give thanks to the earth for sharing the stone.

1. Once all the artworks and reflections are complete ask students to set up their artworks outdoors.
2. Bring students together in a circle and invite each student to share their thoughts, feelings and reflections about their artworks. 
3. During the circle discussion include references to colours, contrast, shape, form and pattern.
4. Share personal understandings of the relationships and connections between plants, animals, humans, and humility.

1. Observe students as they work – exploring, experimenting, adding detail, thoughtful focus.
2. Listen to and observe students as they discuss the artworks – attentive listening, insightful contributions.
3. Use a checklist to track progress. (Downloads - Humility_tracking.pdf).
4. Have students reflect on their own artworks in their sketchbooks. Ask students:
   - What worked well in your artwork? What do you see that makes you say that?          
   - What would you change or do differently next time?        
   - What does the Grandfather teaching humility, mean to you?