An authentic North West Mounted Police jacket and hat, stories and songs highlighted with guitar and the haunting Aboriginal double flute, set the stage for a memorable trek through Canadian history and the settling of Canada on a 15 foot floor map of our nation.

Pioneer Connection Program

This activity focuses on how the pioneer in the 1800’s helped to establish the foundation blocks for the Canada we know. The students literally walk across a floor map of Canada 15 ft by 9 ft., role-playing what it was like to settle in the new land. Using props like an authentic North West Mounted Police jacket and hat, with stories and songs highlighted with percussion (washboard), guitar and the haunting double flute (aboriginal) this presentation raises the student’s awareness of the pioneer spirit that built our country and those values we can call upon today in our modern lives.

The students learn about significant historic characters including the North West Mounted Police, who helped bring peace and order to the west, the Aboriginal people’s role in the survival of the new settlers, as well as the pioneer woman who kept the home-fires burning. They learn about the local heroes who helped shape Calgary, like Colonel James MacLeod, A.E. Cross, Jerry Potts, and James Walker.

This presentation is relevant to several areas of curriculum study; Canadian History, Geography, Music, and Language Arts. Who we are and where we came from, supports the development of identity.

Recommended Grades

Grade 3 – Topic A: My Community - Past
Grade 4 – Topic B: Alberta: People in History
Grade 5 – Topic B: Canada: Early Settlement
Grade 6 – Topic A: Local Government
Grade 7, 8, 9 – Canadian History, Geography, Music, Canadian Identity

Size of Group

Groups of 20 to 30 students for maximum interaction.
Group sizes from 30 to 60 work well.

Time Commitment

Can be adapted to one period or two period time frames.

Technical requirements:

A library or space that can accommodate a 15 foot by 9 foot floor map and students.

For more information and rates please contact me.