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Learning from the Land

Secondary

Description

The video highlights the importance of Indigenous-led, land-based education and the deep connections between people, culture, and the natural world. Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, it shows how learning from the land involves understanding relationships with water, sky, plants, and animals, while emphasizing values such as respect, reciprocity, and balance. Although there is much diversity between First Nations, Métis and Inuit, a deep and abiding connection to the land are common to all. Through stories, language, and cultural practices, students are encouraged to see the land as both teacher and identity, and schools are called to collaborate with Indigenous communities to integrate traditional knowledge into education. 

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

To extend the learning, consider activities that engage students with the land 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 video as an introduction to land-based learning activities, such as a walk through a local natural area. Students can observe plants, animals, and ecosystems, recording sketches, photos, or field notes, then reflect on “what the land teaches. 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 and their feelings about the land.

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.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • British Columbia
    • 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
  • Manitoba
  • Northwest Territories
    • 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
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • 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

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Indigenous Knowledge (2)

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

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