- Definition
In a matrilineal family or group, ancestry and family ties are traced through the mother's side.
In some First Nations communities, clan identity is passed from a mother to her children.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A matrilineal family is like if children took their mother's last name instead of their father's.
Ask your child: If our family was matrilineal, whose last name would you have?
Common mix-up: Kids may think all families trace their names through the dad's side. In matrilineal cultures, family identity and ancestry are passed down through the mother's line.
Examples
- A child is considered part of their mother's family group or clan, not their father's.
- Important community roles might be passed down from a mother to her daughter.
matrilineal is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
