The Learning from the Land story map emphasizes the deep and enduring connection between Indigenous Peoples and the land, highlighting the importance of understanding the land as a source of life, identity, and cultural traditions. It showcases how Indigenous knowledge and practices are deeply intertwined with the cycles of nature and the seasons, and how this knowledge is passed down through generations. It emphasizes that each Indigenous community has unique relationships with the land and encourages learning directly from them. The resource serves as an introduction to the concept of learning from the land, encouraging readers to engage with local Indigenous communities and learn from their unique perspectives and experiences.
This interactive story map
The story map encourages readers to connect with local Indigenous communities to learn more about their specific relationships with the land and to appreciate the diversity of Indigenous knowledge systems. Access the story map learning activity here
To enhance the learning, consider activities that engage students with the land, promote storytelling, and encourage reflection on Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. These activities can range from outdoor explorations to creative writing and discussions about land-based teachings. Use the story map as inspiration for a walk through a local natural area. Identify the plants and animals featured in the story or create a scavenger hunt based on the map's themes, such as finding different types of leaves or observing animal tracks.
Reach out to local Indigenous organizations, elders, or knowledge keepers for guidance and support in developing and implementing land-based learning activities. Facilitate discussions about the importance of passing down knowledge and stories from elders to younger generations. Incorporating personal reflection activities can encourage students to journal about their experiences, their feelings about the land, and how the story map has influenced their understanding. Have students write stories, poems, or journal entries inspired by the story map and their experiences in nature. Encourage students to engage their senses, sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste while on the land, connecting their observations to the narratives presented in the story map.
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.