Plants & Animals

How can these resources be used?

This website can be used by educators to gain a better understanding of Indigenous Plants local to the Okanagan first before implementing this knowledge into the classroom.

How could theses resources be used in a classroom?

To enhance this learning experience, I recommend collaborating with Indigenous advocates at your school. This will provide students with a more authentic and profound understanding of the resources available. In my classroom, I have utilized these resources by discussing with my students the different uses of each plant pictured above and the benefits they can have on health and well-being. We also discussed the importance of having plants native to the Okanagan and the harmful effects of invasive plants on the environment and all living things.

Fortunately, the school where I work has a forested area with wild plants growing and a trail for our students to explore. To enhance the learning of traditional plants native to the Okanagan, a great activity would be to print out colored photographs for students of these plants to refer to and have them work in pairs or groups to see if they can find any of the plants listed. However, it is crucial to discuss the treatment of these plants beforehand to ensure that students do not disturb them. It would also be useful for them to keep a journal where they can draw the plant they see and name 1-3 uses of these plants.

Additionally, students can go on a field trip to the En'owkin Center in Penticton, where they can learn about safely removing invasive plants, the importance of biodiversity, and how to help restore wetlands and reintroduce Indigenous species to the land.

Though this content and these resources can assist in the integration of Indigenous knowledge into the classroom, it is important to seek out and build relationships with the Indigenous advocates in each school if possible, or Indigenous community members, knowledge keepers, or educators. We must remember that learning and educating on Indigenous perspectives should be done with and from local Indigenous community members.