Lesson Plans Access 13 lesson plans and information about land-based learning from a Métis perspective that are designed to be used alongside the videos.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin -nistosâp - Thirteenth Moon Join Métis Knowledge Holders across Alberta following the 13 moons and learn from the land together.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin - niskipîsim - Goose Moon - March The Geese are arriving and their tân’si, hello, honks give us a promise of spring. They wake up the land. The niska, geese, teach us how to protect and care for all of our kin and how to work together. niska are hard workers and work together to fly long distances and take turns leading and following. Life is returning. Moon cycles guide us to connect deeply to the land and all living things. March is considered a new year for Métis and many Indigenous people. It is new beginnings. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Susan Sinclair and learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin - ayîkipîsim - Frog Moon - April Mother Earth is waking up all the plants and animals from their winter sleep. They survived winter. It's Frog Moon and the rain begins, we watch life emerge creating an energy that benefits other living beings. The Frogs sing their songs loudly during this time announcing spring. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Jamie Chalifoux and learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin - sâkipakâwipîsim - Leaves Appearing Moon - May Birds are busy this month taking care of their eggs. Chickadees sing the word “nîpin” (summer) in their songs. Summer is on its way. Everything Mother Earth grows gives us life. Leaf budding season means our plant relatives are turning green once more, happy, light, and warm. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Carmen Miller and learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin opâskahopîsim - Egg Hatching Moon - June Laying and hatching eggs requires care and patience from piyîsîs - birds. We can watch the birds care for their eggs and babies. opâskâhopîsim means this moon the land is coming into full growth. What do you notice growing and emerging? Join Métis Knowledge Holder Cheryl Devin and learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin opaskowipisim - Feathers Moulting Moon - July Birds are letting go of their feathers. Letting go of things that do not help is a teaching that the birds share with us. The land is growing warm. The berries are ready. There are many gatherings. This is a time of abundance and sharing. What can you share? Join Métis Knowledge Holder Kalyn Kodiak to learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin opâskahopîsim - ohpahowpisim - Learning to Fly Moon - August The winged ones are beginning to fly away this moon. Baby birds are learning to fly long distances and learn new skills to survive in the skies. Young birds will struggle towards independence just as we all experience our own flying up in our learning journeys. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Natalie Pepin to learn more

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin - nôcihitôwipîsim Breeding Moon - September This moon families are preparing for winter. Harvesting, hunting, fishing, canning, preserving, and drying meat are ways Métis folks prepare for the winter moons. Métis families respect the land, plants, and animals by ensuring their kin and community has enough. The moose are active and calling to each other during this moon looking for each other. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Joel Gamache to learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin pinaskowipîsim - Leaves Falling Moon - October During this time birds are beginning to fly away. Métis families may be tanning hides to have clothing, and medicines, food, and shelter ready for winter. Winter is telling us it is coming with hints of drying leaves and the water is cooling. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Les Skinner to learn more

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin iyîkôpîwipîsim - Frost Moon - November The leaves have fallen, food has been stored, hides have been tanned and everything is ready for winter. This is the frozen month and the trees have let go of their leaves. Plants and animals are beginning to sleep for the winter. Some Métis people get crafts ready like beading, sewing, tufting, fish scales, rattles, and moccasins, Métis Week and Louis Riel Day are also this moon. It reminds Métis people to celebrate their resilience, culture, and identity. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Tyler Anderson to learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin - pawahcahkinasîsipîsim - Trees Cracking Moon - December Winter has arrived and at times it can be so cold you can hear the trees cracking with coldness. The nights are dark and the days are short. It is Winter Solstice and this moon teaches us to reflect and quiet ourselves. The land is cold and quiet. Many animals are sleeping so it is a time to share traditional stories. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Jason Bigcharles to learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin - kisepîsim - Great Moon - January It is Cold Moon and hardship moon. This moon is also called the Great Moon. It comes from the word kindness in Michif and Cree because we need to treat the land and all that lives on it with kindness. This time of year is hard on animals and people and we need to practice kindness and compassion. We need to share and make sure everyone and everything has enough. Join Métis Knowledge Holder Ron Quintal to learn more.

askîhk kiskinohamâtowin - mikisîwipîsim - Bald Eagle Moon - February Eagle Moon is when our winged relatives are returning and building nests. The old ones say the Eagles fly closest to Creator and carry our prayers. There are small signs of new life and the promises of longer days and medicines to come. Join Métis Knowledge Holder John Ritchie to learn more.