by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 25, 2026
During bad weather, the Dene people play hand games. View this CBC News video to learn more about hand games: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/dene-hand-games-1.3586982 Additional information can be found in the Canadian Encyclopedia “Dene Games” article:...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 25, 2026
Etseh tells the legend of Yamozhah. Try to find other legends that tell the story of spruce trees or birchbark, then share them with the class or have students retell these stories.
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 25, 2026
Etseh tells the story of the flu epidemic that spread through Nidziikaa Kogolaa. Have students complete research to find other diseases that resulted in loss of Indigenous life in Canadian history.
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 25, 2026
On page 20, Etseh tells the children, “To us the land is like a book,” and that they “must see each place before we tell you the stories.” Discuss with students what Etseh means by this and why it is important to see a place before you hear the stories.
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 25, 2026
With students, learn more about traditional ways of making birchbark canoes. View a few videos and explore why birchbark was used, what tools were needed, etc. Native Art in Canada — “Building Birchbark Canoes: Step by Step Guide to Birchbark Canoes”:...
