French-language resource
Author, design: Janine Tougas
Singer-songwriters: Suzanne Brémault, Martial Tougas
ISBN: 978-1-77222-536-5
Pages: 39
La saga métisse de la Rivière-Rouge is a family story told through four songs spanning 1850 to the present.
Marie-Rose and Athanase are fictional characters who represent typical Red River Métis men and women.
Chanson de la chasse – The Golden Age of the Métis from 1820 to circa 1870. During a major bison hunt, a young woman named Marie-Rose meets Athanase, her future husband.
Chanson de la résistance – The turbulent period of 1869 to 1885. Four scenes depict the events and oppression that befall Marie-Rose, Athanase, their family, the Métis community, and Métis supporters.
Chanson de la reconnaissance – From 1870 to the present.
A tribute to the Métis, the men and women who helped shape Manitoba’s modern French-speaking community.
Chanson du câlleur – From the birth of the Métis nation to the present. An overview of Métis history, this song is a call to all Métis descendants and supporters to continue to celebrate Métis heritage.
The teacher’s guide contains:
- a CD containing the four songs, song charts and lyrics
- suggestions for reviewing song structure and the relationship between lyrics, music, and interpretation with students
- the lyrics with explanations in the margins
- questions and activities to encourage deeper analysis of the lyrics, comparing ideas, incorporating concepts leading to the creation of innovative and original works.
This product touches on a number of skills that are part of Arts, Social Studies, and French programs.
