Take it Further

Ask your students to write a text on the parfleche as though they were writing an article for the local newspaper (maximum of 300 words). In the article, they should explain why the parfleche they made constitutes a personal representation of their cultural identity. The students may also compare the historical use of parfleches by Aboriginal peoples and our contemporary use of handbags, backpacks? Are they symbols of prestige or bags that are essential to survival in the present-day world? Is there a connection between the decorative motifs of Aboriginal peoples and the graffiti and decorations we add to our handbags and backpacks?

Set out the parfleches on a table and have the students walk around and look at their classmates? artworks.

Ask your students to present their parfleches (orally or in writing), referring to the criteria in the attached evaluation guide.

Finish the session by reviewing the experience acquired and the subject matter learned during the activity.

You can take advantage of this activity to designate an ?Identity Month? at your school and ask other teachers to organize a project on the topic. End the month with something special: mount an exhibition in the school. Involve the students at every stage of the exhibition (making invitations, posters, and labels for the artworks, hanging the exhibition, etc.). Invite parents and friends.