Moose Hide Campaign Lesson 3: Roles of Women and Two Spirit People in traditional Cree community

Review Men Women Elders Children Can you remember lesson 2? Can you remember what Rocky Morin said the traditional role of men in Cree society was? Men Women Elders Children

The Role of Women Let’s look beyond the idea that women take care of the home: what role do they play in traditional Cree communities?

Learning from Elsie Paul We will watch 3 videos of Elsie speaking about the role of women in traditional Cree society Can you write down three things she said that you think are important?

What were the traditional roles of women What were the traditional roles of women? What role did the play as leaders? (9:48)

How have the roles of women changed in your community since European arrival? (3:05)

What are some of the challenges women have faced in your community

Activity Work together in groups of 2 or 3 to come up with the three most important points from each question Can you present your findings to the class? Teacher may use an alternative method to review and discuss!

Learning from Ed Lavallee Ed is a Two Spirit Elder We will watch 2 videos of Ed speaking about the role of Two Spirit in traditional Cree society Can you write down three things or points he said?

What is a Two Spirit person? (3:08)

What is the difference between the traditional and modern uses of the term? (6:36)

What roles did Two Spirit people play in Traditional society? (3:34)

Activity Work together in groups of 2 or 3 to come up with the three most important points from each question Can you present your findings to the class? Teacher may use an alternative method to review and discuss!

Returning to Traditional Roles The Elders and Knowledge keepers believe that Cree people should return to their traditional roles This will allow them to reclaim their culture and way of life And this will lead to less violence and social issues in their communities But what does returning to Traditional roles mean?

For Men? It means they need to reclaim their role as Protectors And this means they should value women, and protect women, not hurt them!

For Women? It means they need to reclaim their roles as leaders and decision makers And this means they should value themselves!

For Two Spirit People? This means to reclaim their position in society as important And this means people should respect and uplift them, not hold them down or disrespect them!

Why is a return to traditional gender roles important? (1:45)