This week, Grade 3 visited the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum to kick off their unit on the Indigenous Peoples of North America. The museum was full of fascinating artifacts, organized by geographical region, highlighting the food, art, transportation, clothing, and housing of each area. Students had the unique opportunity to touch and explore a variety of objects, including furs, moccasins, other beaded crafts, leather goods, dried corn, carved wood, a turtle shell, and animal bones that were used as tools. They also made their own beading craft, connecting creatively with the traditions they're studying.

This hands-on experience provided a rich introduction to their upcoming inquiry-based unit. Students will use what they saw and experienced to develop their own questions about Indigenous cultures, how people adapt to their environments, and how culture shapes identity. Over the next few weeks, they will conduct research using books, online resources, and classroom discussions, gathering information, and sharing their findings with peers. The museum trip gave students concrete experiences that inspired curiosity and guided their learning as they explored the histories, traditions, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities across North America.