Lesson 21 — Activity 3: Well-Known First Nations People
Completion requirements
Lesson 21 — Activity 3: Well-Known First Nations People
The movie Dances with Wolves was one of the first to feature Aboriginal people in major roles.
Some of the actors in the film, including Canadians Tantoo Cardinal, who played Black Shawl, and Graham Greene, who played Kicking Bird, went on to play important roles in other movies and TV shows.
Can you think of other celebrities of Aboriginal heritage?
In this activity, you will have the opportunity to learn more about First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Canadians who have made a variety of contributions to society.
Some of the actors in the film, including Canadians Tantoo Cardinal, who played Black Shawl, and Graham Greene, who played Kicking Bird, went on to play important roles in other movies and TV shows.
Can you think of other celebrities of Aboriginal heritage?
In this activity, you will have the opportunity to learn more about First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Canadians who have made a variety of contributions to society.
After doing some research, you will complete a short biography of a person that interests you.
- Susan Aglukark is a singer and motivational singer.
- Dallas Arcand is a World Champion Hoop Dancer as well as a hip-hop artist.
- Adam Beach is an actor who has appeared in movies such as Windtalkers and Flags of Our Fathers as well as on the television show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
- Joseph Boyden is an author of novels and short stories.
- Joseph Bruchac is an author of many books about First Nations people.
- Douglas Cardinal is an architect famous for many designs including the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa and the Grande Prairie Regional College in northern Alberta.
- Dan George was a chief, author, poet, and actor.
- Tom Jackson appeared on the TV show North of 60 and is well known for his Huron Carol Christmas Concerts to raise money for food banks.
- Pauline Johnson was a poet, writer, and performer.
- Thomas King is the author of the novels Medicine River and The Inconvenient Indian, among others.
- Norval Morrisseau (whose painting you saw in L21 — A1) was an Anishinaabe artist known as the "Picasso of the North."
- Jane Ash Poitras is an Alberta-born painter and printmaker.
- Carey Price plays goal in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens.
- Louis Riel was the founding father of Manitoba and a leader to the Métis people. Riel sought to preserve the rights and culture of the Métis people.
- Buffy Sainte-Marie is a singer-songwriter, musician, visual artist, educator, and social activist.
- Sheldon Souray played hockey in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks.
- Ralph Steinhauer was the first First Nations Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta.
- Jordin Tootoo plays in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils.
- Shane Yellowbird is a country music singer.