Lesson Two: Reanna Merasty
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Lesson Two: Reanna Merasty
Activity: Indigenous Architecture
CURRICULUM
CONNECTIONS
Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut:
•Aboriginal Studies Grades 10-12
•English Language Arts Grades 10-12
•English Language Arts Grades 10, 11, 12: Uqausiliriniq Strand
British Columbia and Yukon:
•Contemporary Indigenous Studies Grade 12
•English Language Arts Composition Grades 10, 11, 12.
Ontario:
•First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Studies Grades 9-12
•English Language Arts Grades 9-10
•English Language Arts Grades 11-12
DURATION
1-2 Hours
OVERVIEW
Throughout this lesson, students will be introduced to the topic of Indigenous architecture. First,
students will access their prior knowledge about the topic by complete the first two sections of a
"K/W/L Chart". Then, students will listen to Reanna Merasty's Fireside Chat interview where she
discusses her educational journey becoming an architect. Next, students will read one of Rean-
na's published articles titled "Leadership in Architecture and Land-Based Practices" which was
published in Say Magazine. Students will then engage in small group discussions to debrief the
article. Finally, students will complete the final section of their "K/W/L Chart" handout.
MATERIALS
•Computer/Projector/Internet
•"K/W/L Chart" handout
•"Leadership in Architecture and Land-Based Practices" Article
Community Development
ACTIVATE: K/W/L CHART
To begin the lesson, hand out the "K/W/L" chart and inform students the topic they will be writing
about is "Indigenous Architecture". Have students write everything they know about Indigenous
architecture in the "Know" section. Then, have students write everything they want to know in
the "Want to Know" section. Students will fill out the last section at the end of the lesson.
Inform students that next, they will hear from Indigenous architect student, Reanna Merasty.
ACQUIRE: REANNA MERASTY'S FIRESIDE CHAT VIDEO
https://www.firesidechats.ca/video/reanna-merasty
Reanna Merasty is Woodlands Cree and is a member of Barren Lands First Nation. She is
currently pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Manitoba (UofM) and holds a
Bachelor of Environmental Design. Reanna works as a Student Intern/Designer at Brook McIlroy
in their Indigenous Design Studio, is the Co-Founder/Chair of the Indigenous Design & Planning
Students Association at the UofM, and a Research Assistant for several First Nation housing
initiatives such as the Mino Bimaadiziwin Partnership, and One House Many Nations.
Lesson Plan
