Learning Story – Making Space for Stories
The Week of February 27, 2024
What Happened?
Today was cold! Some of us stayed very active and were able to stay outdoors for the majority of the day by doing a lot of rough and tumble play, but some of us listened to our bodies and realized we needed to come and warm up in the tent. It was an opportunity to gather and tell stories and create beautiful pieces of art to celebrate an Elder’s birthday.
Michelle and Joanne shared some stories of the Land where they grew up. The Sahtu has many places that hold the stories of Yamoria and Yamozah! In one of the stories, it mentioned the Smoking Flats. Joanne then shared a video of the Smoking Flats that she had taken while boating down the river. Bushkids were able to develop a deeper relationship with Joanne and Michelle and their family, having a better understanding of where they come from.
We also used a wordless book to create our own story by using Tłı̨chǫ words. Some of the younger Bushkids had so much fun, we had to do it a second time. They were given the space to take the lead and create the story while the educator helped them include Tłı̨chǫ words.
Why is it Important?
Gathering together to tell stories and work on a collective art project strengthens community. This is an important goal at Bushkids. We work together to take care of the camp and each other, but we can also work together using art as an access point. There are so many ways to be creative on the Land.
Making space for these stories at Bushkids about the Land and the brothers Yamoria and Yamozah is also a priority. Their legends have many Dene teachings and values – so many that Sahtu Elder Paul Andrew said “My dream would be to have a University based on the teachings of Yamoria and Yamozah.”
Learning and communicating in Tłı̨chǫ Yatıı̀ and Wıı̀lıı̀deh Yatıı̀is another important way for the Bushkids to see themselves and their culture in what we do at BushkidsWhen we take the time to learn someone else’s language we show deep respect.
What Does This Mean For Next Time?
Bushkids have shown a lot of interest in the Sahtu map and the map of the Northwest Territories that is hanging in the tent. We will bring in more maps and continue to explore them by learning about the different stories and place names of the Land. We will also bring more books about Yamoriah and Yamozah and continue to incorporate Tłı̨chǫ Yatıı̀ and Wıı̀lıı̀deh Yatıı̀into our day to day activities by singing songs and playing some card games.