Offer your students a lively encounter with W8banaki culture
The NOLKA program at the Musée des Abénakis offers preschool and primary students a series of immersive, sensory, and creative activities to discover the W8banaki Nation. Through workshops tailored to each grade level, students explore creation myths, traditional skills, daily life of the past, and much more.
Each activity is led in the classroom by an experienced team and directly linked to the Quebec Education Program (QEP). The targeted competencies include Social Studies, Visual Arts, Quebec Culture and Citizenship, French, Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
Stimulate curiosity, intercultural dialogue, and openness through a meaningful and enriching school outing.
Please note: All school programs are offered in French only.
Choose a half-day (3 workshops) or a full day (up to 6 workshops).
All activities are offered in the classroom, by reservation, for groups of 50 students or fewer.
Icons to look for:
Discover activities designed to awaken the senses, support learning, and encourage active exploration of W8banaki culture.
Offer your students an immersive encounter with W8banaki cosmogony. Through rich mythological stories, they will discover powerful characters and ritual objects that tell the creation of the world according to the W8banakiak. This activity invites reflection on the sacred relationship between humans and nature while addressing values, beliefs, and worldviews of a vibrant Indigenous culture.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Elementary 1, 2, and 3
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Social Studies: Grade 2 (Interpret social and territorial changes)
Quebec Culture and Citizenship:
– Grade 1 | Explore cultural realities (Search for meaning)
– Grade 2 | Examine cultural realities (Search for meaning; Human-environment relationships)
– Grade 3 | Critically reflect on cultural realities (Human relationships)
Explore Abenaki culture through the Musée’s new permanent exhibition. Students will experience an interactive sensory journey where they can observe, touch, and listen to better understand a living Indigenous culture.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Elementary 2 and 3
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Social Studies: Grade 2 (Interpret social changes)
Quebec Culture and Citizenship: Grades 2 and 3 – Examine or reflect on cultural realities (Human-environment relationships)
Compare past and present dwellings and clothing. Through observation and discussion, students discover the evolution of w8banaki lifestyles and the connections between culture, territory, and adaptation.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Elementary 2
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Social Studies: Grade 2 – Interpret social change
Quebec Culture and Citizenship: Grade 2 – Examine cultural realities (Human relationships)
Put on your archaeologist hat! Students handle real artifacts over 300 years old found in Odanak. An engaging activity to understand traces left by the past.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Elementary 2 and 3
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Social Studies: Grade 2 | Interpret social and territorial change
Quebec Culture and Citizenship:
– Grade 2 | Examine cultural realities (Search for meaning, relationships)
– Grade 3 | Reflect on cultural realities
Become trackers in the forest! By following animal tracks, students discover local wildlife just like w8banakiak hunters did. A sensory and playful activity to learn how to observe nature.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Pre-school and Elementary 1
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Quebec Culture and Citizenship: Grade 1 | Explore cultural realities
Mathematics, Science and Technology: Grade 1 | Explore the world of science and technology (Living universe)
Relive daily w8banaki life through the seasons! Your students will try ancient skills: grinding flour, starting a fire, making an arrow… A hands-on introduction to Indigenous traditions.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Primary 2 and 3
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Social Studies: Grade 2 | Interpret social and territorial change
Quebec Culture and Citizenship:
– Grade 2 | Examine cultural realities
– Grade 3 | Critically reflect on cultural realities (Community life)
Mathematics, Science and Technology: Grade 2 | Use tools, objects, and scientific processes
Learn while having fun! In teams, students answer questions and take on physical challenges inspired by Abenaki knowledge. A friendly competition engaging memory, body, and mind.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Primary 1, 2, and 3
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Social Studies: Grade 2 | Interpret change
French: All grades | Oral communication
While exploring the Musée, students seek answers to their questions. A cultural and interactive rally that develops autonomy, observation, and teamwork.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Primary 1, 2, and 3
Targeted competencies (QEP):
French: All grades | Oral communication; Reading varied texts
Introduce your students to making a traditional necklace using beads and a bone pendant. A personalized souvenir of their visit, combining fine motor skills and creativity.
30 minutes
Suggested grades: Primary 1, 2, and 3
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Visual Arts: All grades | Create personal artistic works
Learn how to make an ancestral Abenaki toy. This hands-on cultural activity raises awareness of Indigenous games history and stimulates imagination.
45 minutes
Suggested grades: Primary 2 and 3
Targeted competencies (QEP):
Visual Arts: Grades 2 and 3 | Create personal artistic works
Enjoy a snack inspired by w8banakiak traditions: bannock, wild berry jam, and friendship juice. A sharing moment that completes the cultural experience.
15 minutes
Suggested grades: ALL
– Half-day (3 workshops of your choice): $8
– Full day (up to 6 workshops of your choice): $12
– Beaded necklace workshop: $5
– Corn husk doll workshop: $7
– Traditional snack: $5
Taxes included. Prices subject to change without notice.
– ROLE OF TEACHERS
Your participation is essential for a successful outing: punctuality, safety, discipline, and encouragement of active participation are key to a great experience. Teachers and school professionals participate free of charge (except for activities with additional costs).
– CHAPERONES
One free chaperone is provided per 10 students. Beyond this ratio, parent chaperones must pay the regular admission fee. All chaperones must stay with the group at all times.
– LUNCHES AND SNACKS
Indoor and outdoor spaces are available for meals.
– FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE
See the program PDF for full details.
Want to make a reservation or have questions?
Phone: 450 568-2600 | Email: [email protected]