Embedded Files
Walking with Intention
Walking with Intention
I am a big fan of the YAL version of Braiding Sweetgrass. I believe that Robin Wall Kimmerer gave teachers a beautiful gift by publishing the stories in original book, but it is the adaptation by Monique Gray Smith that helps me to better see how we can use these texts for teaching.
When we want to feel closer to nature, it can feel challenging when we are in an area that feels like the nature is missing, but truly it is everywhere.
While learning about the Ohénton Karihwatéhkwen, bringing students on guided walks can help them to think critically about their world around them. Below are some samples of ways you can integrate Indigneous knowledge into these walks.
Tom Porter's 4 Directions Lessons
Tom Porter's 4 Directions Lessons
Tom Porter is one of our respected elders in the Kanienké:haka nation. He shares the teachings that he has heard growing up through many videos and even books to ensure that they continue to thrive and be passed on to our future generations. The video here gives a very beautiful understanding of Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen from his learning, and he also has worked to create these in depth lessons that can be used in our classrooms. AVAILABLE IN FRENCH AND ENGLISH.
What are we grateful for?
What are we grateful for?
Activity: One of the best ways that students can understand the Ohénton Karihwatéhkwen is to be able to filtre it through their individual lense and experience. Students can explore all of the things that they are grateful for and present them in different ways. Once example that it beautiful is the colouring page of the turtle shell with the slots open for students to add their own items. I looks like the image here.
Activity: Groups can do individual projects about the relationship between humans and each of the different aspects in the Ohénton Karihwatéhkwen. How do animals and humans rely on each other? How do the stars impact the lives of humans? Why is water so essential for us, and how can we care for it? Kids can consider their relationships to the natural world and their impact intentionally or not.
Students can take a step further in their work of understanding the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen by starting to develop land acknowledgements of their own.
In a stations based activity, students will explore different questions and activities that will give them ideas for what to write in their land acknowledgements.
The teachers guidelines are available here: Teaching Guide
There is even a Rubric for marking so that you can assess and add to your end of term evaluations in whichever subject area you think it fits. Rubric
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse