The Métis Nation of Ontario is committed to ensuring that Métis culture and heritage is reflected in all early learning and child care spaces. We have rich stories that need to be told. Métis children and families need to see themselves reflected in learning resources and spaces whether it be in full-day kindergarten programs, Early ON’s, child care centres, ECE resource centres or home child care spaces.
Our team of Advisors have developed products that can be easily shared with children to share the rich heritage of the Métis people of Ontario.
Early Learning and Child Care Learning Framework
The Métis Nation has a vision for ELCC in which Métis children and families throughout the Homeland are provided with culturally-relevant, self-empowering ELCC programming and services that focus on the development and maintenance of strong Métis families and communities across the lifespan, beginning at birth.
Métis Nation ELCC will promote the healthy growth and development of children
and families through experiences grounded in Métis culture and community ways while Métis-specific wrap-around services, programs and policies will support their ongoing well-being.
“The Giving Tree” Story Kit Bag
This education kit features the story “The Giving Tree” by Leah Dorion. This charming story, richly steeped in Métis culture, focuses on the boyhood reminisces of Moushoom as he describes finding the “great giving tree” with his mother and father. The “Giving Tree” was a place where Métis travellers could find valuable supplies that they might need to survive on their long travels through the bush while hunting or trapping. The story emphasizes Métis core values and beliefs including strength, kindness, courage, sharing, generosity, as well as care for the greater community.
Kit includes:
-A copy of the story
-A felt board with story pieces
-Matching cards
-A resource guide for educators
The Kit is intended to be utilized by early childhood educators to enhance an understanding of Métis culture for all children in a culturally appropriate and inclusive way. The MNO ELCC team has identified the importance of developing resources to support early learning professionals.
This kit is exclusively created by the Métis Nation of Ontario, with 100% of proceeds going directly to support the Métis Nation of Ontario. Métis Nation ELCC promotes the healthy growth and development of children and families through experiences grounded in Métis culture and community ways while Métis-specific wrap-around services, programs and policies will support their ongoing well-being.
This kit is offered for sale at $99.00 plus taxes and shipping. Available to purchase through Wintergreen Learning Materials. Click Here.
A free, self-paced online learning module is available to help educators effectively use The Giving Tree Story Bag. This professional development opportunity provides guidance on respectfully incorporating Métis-specific content in the early learning environment, ensuring cultural appreciation while avoiding cultural appropriation. Click Here.
For assistance with integrating The Giving Tree Story Bag into your early learning environment or to schedule an in-person or virtual presentation for your organization, please contact elccpartnerships@metisnation.org.
“Métis Christmas Mittens” Story Bag
The Métis Nation of Ontario Early Learning and Child Care Métis Christmas Mittens Story Bag Kit is a thoughtfully curated educational resource designed to bring Métis traditions to life for young learners. This engaging kit features a variety of hands-on materials that support interactive storytelling and exploration, making it a valuable tool for educators and families alike.
At the heart of the kit is the beautifully written and illustrated book, Métis Christmas Mittens by award-winning Métis author and artist Leah Marie Dorion. This heartwarming story transports readers into the rich traditions of Métis family life, where the holiday season is marked not by expensive gifts, but by handmade treasures crafted with love and care. Through evocative storytelling and vibrant artwork, the book highlights the importance of generosity, creativity, and family connections—values deeply rooted in Ontario Métis traditions.
To enhance the storytelling experience, the Métis Christmas Mittens Story Bag Kit includes:
- A felt board with interactive felt pieces, allowing children to engage in hands-on retelling of the story.
- Educator’s cards, providing background information, discussion prompts, and activity ideas to support learning.
- A matching game, designed to reinforce key story elements while promoting early literacy and cognitive skills.
- The beautifully illustrated book, Métis Christmas Mittens, offering an authentic and visually rich reading experience.
This kit serves as a meaningful way to introduce children to Métis traditions while fostering an appreciation for storytelling, family bonds, and the value of handmade gifts. Whether used in classrooms, early learning centers, or homes, the MNO ELCC Métis Christmas Mittens Story Bag Kit offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Métis heritage during the holiday season
This kit is offered for sale at $125.00 plus taxes and shipping. Available to purpose through Wintergreen Learning Materials. Click Here.
(Insert link to Self-Paced Online Learning Modules page of MNO website).
“Ways to Carry A Métis Baby” Story Bag- Coming Soon
Celebrate Métis identity, early learning, and family traditions with the Ways to Carry a Métis Baby Story Bag Kit. Inspired by Leah Marie Dorion’s beautifully illustrated book, this kit offers children and educators a meaningful way to explore Métis ways of knowing and being, with a special focus on caring for young children.
Each kit includes:
- A Métis Nation of Ontario branded bag for easy storage and transport.
- A Métis Nation of Ontario branded blanket, perfect for cozying up during storytime.
- A child-sized traditional moss bag baby carrier, specially designed for dramatic and imaginative play.
- A bilingual (English and French) copy of Ways to Carry a Métis Baby by Leah Marie Dorion.
- A set of educator resource cards with ideas for classroom use, reflections for professional learning, and direct connections to How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH) and the Ontario Kindergarten Program.
Rooted in Métis culture and values, this story bag kit provides a rich, play-based opportunity for children to learn about identity, care, and tradition. It supports educators in integrating Indigenous perspectives into early years environments in a respectful and engaging way.
Advisor Newsletters
The team of Advisors produces a monthly newsletter to monthly online professional development opportunities, showcase new Métis-specific resources, and share updates on developments in the early years sector across Ontario.
ELCC Advisors Book Club
The team of Advisors publishes a monthly book review to help educators incorporate Métis values, customs, and traditions into early learning environments. These reviews highlight age-appropriate books for young learners, along with high-quality resources for educators.
Book Review: A Real Métis Superhero: The Powley Family by MNO ELCC Programs & Services team
Book Review: On the Trapline by David A. Robertson Illustrated by Julie Flett
Book Review: A Real-Life Métis Superhero Louis Riel by MNO ELCC Programs & Services team
Book Review: Forest Magic: A guidebook for Little Woodland Explorers by Sarah Grindler
- Book Review: Giving Thanks by Leah Marie Dorion