Indigenous winter activities for the classroom can help students explore art, science, culture and the relationship between people and the land. They can also bring some much-needed colour and creativity into those very long winter months!
The important part is ensuring that the learning comes before the craft. First Nations, Inuit and Métis are distinct Peoples with diverse cultures, histories and artistic traditions. A winter activity should never be presented as representing one universal Indigenous experience.
Here are five meaningful activities that combine hands on learning with cultural context.
1. Explore the Northern Lights Through Art and Science
The Northern Lights are a natural starting point for cross-curricular winter learning.
Students can investigate the science behind the Aurora Borealis, explore particular Inuit perspectives connected to the Northern Lights and create a colourful art project inspired by a featured Indigenous artist.
My Northern Lights Art Project and Science Lesson brings science, social studies and art together in one resource. It also includes “Exploring the North Through Art” bulletin board pieces for displaying the finished artwork.
This project creates a beautiful winter display, but students also understand what they are creating and why.
2. Learn How Igloos Were Built
Igloos are often included in winter classroom themes without much information about the people who built and used them.
An igloo lesson gives students an opportunity to learn how Inuit traditionally used knowledge of snow, weather and the Arctic environment to construct temporary shelters. Students can explore how igloos were designed, why they retained heat and what their construction reveals about living in relationship with the land.
The Inuit Igloo Craft and Lesson combines this learning with a hands-on winter art project and student reflection.
It is a much more meaningful alternative to creating an igloo craft without cultural context.
3. Create an Inukshuk Art Project
An inuksuk is more than a stack of rocks. Inuksuit have served different purposes across Inuit Nunangat, including communicating information, marking locations and helping people navigate the land.
Before creating, students should learn what inuksuit are and why they are culturally significant. They can then explore balance, shape and visual communication through their own artwork.
My Inukshuk Art Project and Inuit Lesson includes cultural learning, an art activity and bulletin board materials.
Teachers can also explore resources created by Inuit-led organizations such as the Inuit Circumpolar Council when building their own background knowledge.
4. Explore Métis-Inspired Dot Art
Winter is also a wonderful time to introduce students to Métis art and the importance of beadwork.
Métis beadwork is detailed, skilled and culturally significant. A classroom dot art activity is not traditional beadwork, but painted dots can be used to create patterns that visually echo its colourful appearance.
The winter Métis dot art activity included in my Indigenous Winter Art Bundle introduces the cultural context before students begin creating.
This distinction matters. Students should understand which art form inspired their work without describing their finished paintings as authentic Métis beadwork.
5. Combine Winter Art and Writing
Not every Indigenous winter activity needs to focus on one cultural teaching. Students can also respond to original Indigenous artwork through personal writing and creativity.
My Winter Writing Crafts and Fireplace Bulletin Board includes snow globe, Christmas stocking and Christmas tree templates featuring my original artwork.
Students can respond to winter, Christmas or gratitude writing prompts before adding their work to a cozy classroom display. The included fireplace bulletin board pieces create a space for sharing the “Winter Stories We Carry.”
This activity works especially well when you want a seasonal project that still includes meaningful writing.
Bring Indigenous Learning Into Your Winter Plans
These Indigenous winter activities for the classroom allow students to learn through science, social studies, writing and art. More importantly, they help ensure that cultural context is included before students begin creating.
If you would like several of these activities in one place, my Inuit Culture Activities and Indigenous Winter Art Bundle includes Inuit culture lessons, igloo and inukshuk activities, Northern Lights learning, Métis dot art, winter ornaments and classroom display materials.
You can also explore more ideas in my post about Inuit culture lessons for the classroom.