Battle of the Châteauguay
National Historic Site
Beauharnois Generating Station
Biophare
Blockhaus de la rivière-Lacolle
Chambly Canal
National Historic Site
Coteau-du-Lac
National Historic Site
Électrium, the Hydro-Québec Electricity Interpretation Centre
Exporail, The Canadian Railway Museum
Expression, Centre d’exposition de Saint-Hyacinthe
Fort Chambly
National Historic Site
Fort Lennox
National Historic Site
La Maison amérindienne
Maison Lenoblet-du-Plessis
Maison LePailleur
Maison nationale des Patriotes
Missisquoi Museum
Musée des beaux-arts
de Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Musée du costume
et du textile du Québec
Musée du Haut-Richelieu
Musée régional
de Vaudreuil-Soulanges
Muséobus,
the Children’s Museum
MUSO – Musée de société
des Deux-Rives
Plein sud, Centre d’exposition en art actuel
Quebec Museum of Archaeology
Saint-Ours Canal
National Historic Site
Elementary, Cycle 2
The following guided activities are offered both in nomadic form, that is, in the classroom, and as part of a visit to La Maison amérindienne. The guided tour may also include a legend or a workshop in which children can make a traditional Amerindian object.
The Amerindian toolbox
This workshop introduces children to the diversified and efficient technology of the continent’s first inhabitants. Using traditional tools, students discover the richness and variety of the Amerindians’ “toolbox.” Where did they obtain the raw materials to make their tools? How did they fashion them and use them? The answers to these questions reveal age-old knowledge.
The forest, the Amerindians’ general store
This activity shows students the methods, techniques and skills used by Amerindians to live off the natural resources around them. The Amerindians’ knowledge of their environment enabled them to make the most of these resources, whether for food, clothing or tools. Students discover various traditional techniques for hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering, as practiced by both the Algonquians and the Iroquoians.
The animal kingdom in Amerindian country
This workshop shows students the Amerindians way of using wildlife resources while respecting them as well. Children learn about methods for treating skins, making objects and obtaining food, and they discover the role of animals in Amerindian trade and spirituality. Students can handle real animal pelts and look at traditional Amerindian tools.
Shelter and clothing
Through this activity, students discover the different ways in which Amerindians once clothed themselves and built their homes. Shelter and clothing are basic human needs. The Algonquians and Iroquoians developed diverse and original solutions to meet these needs, using the natural resources around them. Children explore the everyday lives of the First Nations.
Satisfy your sweet tooth, Amerindian style!
This activity shows students how maple sugaring originated and developed. Amerindians learned how to turn maple sap into sugar long before the arrival of Europeans. Comparing old-time methods with present-day practices, students see how the production of this springtime treat has changed over time. A short film is shown during this activity. In the sugaring-off season, students can even take part in collecting and boiling down sap and enjoy a maple-based meal with an Amerindian touch.
The coureur des bois or “white Indian”
This workshop introduces students to the coureurs des bois, who are almost mythical characters in our country’s history, and explains the important relations they maintained with the Amerindians. Without the knowledge and assistance of Amerindians, Europeans would have been unable to survive in North America. Certain newcomers chose to live an Amerindian lifestyle and became “white Indians.”
Amerindian handicraft workshop
This workshop lets children have fun while learning. Working on a handicraft related to the notions of respect for other people and for the environment, they become more aware of the nature of Amerindian know-how.
Amerindian show presented in schools
The meeting of two worlds
Coureur des bois Michel Accault invites students to set off on an adventure. They follow him along lakes, rivers and portages, discovering the rich and varied world of the Amerindians. Stories, songs, dances and images combine to make this a memorable show.
Preschool, Elementary and Secondary
The educational activities proposed can be adapted to suit the age and language level of the participants.
Cost: $6.00 per student
Length of activity: 1 hour or more, depending on activity
Reservation: (450) 464-2500