As my Ktunaxa teachers, Alfred Josesph and Mara Nelson, explained to our language class, in Ktunaxa understanding, everything comes from the land.  This concept is found in many diverse Indigenous cultures.  Knowledge, culture and language come from and is inter-related with the land.   In this view, the people are not separate from the land, but are inter-connected with the land and all things.  Through this relationship, Indigenous people have a responsibility to care for the land and help create balance and harmony.

    In Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies (2022), Jo Chrona writes "Knowledge and understanding are entrenched in relationship and connected to people and place." (p.1) In diverse Indigenous pedagogies, it is important to start by situating ourselves where we are on the land, and also in relationship to others.  Chrona(2022) offers us some ideas for reflection:

 "Think about where you are at this moment.  Think about whose traditional lands Canada has claimed.  Think about the historical relationships that people have had with that land and how these relationships endure and evolve today. What is your relationship with the land?" (p.2) 

    All of us are already in relationship with the land.  Taking some time to reflect on this relationship is an essential starting place for Reconciliation.  Take time to get out onto the land, into natural settings with an open mind and heart.   What do you hear?  Who do you see?  Savor the smells and the feeling of being in nature and listen to the voices of the land all around us.  Contemplate on your current relationship.  The land nourishes us everyday, what is our responsibility in return?  How are we showing up in our relationship with the land?   

  Columbia Basin Environmental Educators (CBEEN) and the Outdoor Learning Store have amazing resources to help you learn more about experiential learning from and on the land, including workshops and resources created by Indigenous educators and knowledge holders. The Earthly Chats Podcast has some rich and informative episodes such as the one below.  You can listen to all the episodes of CBEEN's on their Earthly Chats website or spotify.