Learning Opportunities

Métis

The Métis are 1 of the 3 Indigenous groups in Canada. A Métis person is of mixed ancestry with both Indigenous and European ancestors. Southern Alberta is on Treaty 7 Territory which acknowledges the land of the Blackfoot confederacy as well as the Métis Peoples of Region 3.

Pointillism

Pointillism is the practice of applying small strokes or dots of colour to a surface (paper, canvas, wood, etc.) so that from a distance they visually blend together creating a beautiful pattern or image.

Flower Beadwork People

The Métis became very well known as the “Flower Beadwork People” because of their floral designs. They developed floral patterns that combined First Nations beadwork with the floral embroidered patterns introduced European settlers. Designs for Métis beadwork and dot art are inspired by nature, stain glass designs, European embroidery, and stories.

Dot Art

Dot art is representative of bead work. The beadwork and dot art tell stories. There is often a color dot that is unique in the pattern that stands out to viewers. This dot can be called a "spirit dot". This spirit dot represents that we all make mistakes, we are all human, and we learn through our experiences.