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Land Based Education in Denendeh

Interview with Dr. Glen Coulthard

Secondary

Description

Decolonizing education involves connecting with the land and learning from it, which includes embracing traditional governance practices. It is also about fostering opportunities for the resurgence of Indigenous culture, sovereignty, and self-determination over our territories.

Dr. Glen Coulthard, a member of the Yellowknives Dene, is an associate professor in the First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program, as well as in the Departments of Political Science at the University of British Columbia. He also teaches at the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning. In this interview, he defines what land-based education is and why it is important for contemporary Indigenous politics and governance.

This video was filmed in the Mackenzie Mountains, in a location known as Ká Te, in the Northwest Territories.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Through discussion, students can explore the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land, the impact of colonization, and efforts to revive Indigenous knowledge in education. This exploration includes recognizing the land as a teacher, incorporating Indigenous perspectives, and engaging with Elders and Knowledge Keepers. It is important to highlight the efforts of Indigenous communities to revitalize their languages, cultures, and land-based practices while also addressing the impacts of colonization on these systems. The goal is to deepen students' understanding of Indigenous perspectives, fostering respect for the environment and a sense of interconnectedness with nature.

Taking students outdoors for activities such as medicine walks, gardening, storytelling, and studying local ecosystems can enhance this learning experience. Inviting Elders to share their stories and teachings, collaborating with Indigenous communities to develop programs, and examining the role of Indigenous knowledge in environmental stewardship and holistic well-being are all valuable practices.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 9
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explorations in Social Studies 11(Human Geography, Contemporary Indigenous Studies, Social Justice) : Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
    • Grade 12
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
  • Manitoba
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Dene Kede: Culture - Winter Camp
      • Science
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        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
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        • Northern Studies 10: Module 4: Living Together
        • Northern Studies 10: Module 5: Becoming Capable
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explorations in Social Studies 11: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Northern Studies 12 : The identities, worldviews, and languages of the people of the Northwest Territories are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land
        • Northern Studies 12: Reconciliation requires all northern people to work together to foster healing, address injustice, celebrate diversity, and live well together
  • Nova Scotia
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    • Grade 11
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary Canadian Studies 11: Canadian Indigenous Cultures
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
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    • Grade 11
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      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (College prep.):Colonization and Decolonization
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (Workplace prep.) Colonization and Decolonization
  • Saskatchewan
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    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 20: Integrative Nature of Environmental Science
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explorations in Social Studies 11: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Indigenous Knowledge (2)

  • Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing
  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

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