Learning Story – Weledeh Catholic School – How Will You Take Care?
Session 1, The Week of October 2, 2024
What Happened?
Even though it had rained all night, and rain was still in the forecast, the students from Weledeh were excited to play outside and explore many different activities. The firekeepers joined Mr. Cory to learn how to start a fire, others helped get gravel to fill in the large holes from the rocks that had been removed on part of the trail, some helped Auntie Edna in the kitchen, and others worked on building a shelter. We noticed that the students were mWe started well by gathering in the wall tent to have a safety talk and get to know each other as Bushkids and Weledeh Catholic School began this exciting partnership.
We framed our day by asking, ‘How will you take care of yourself, each other, the Land, and your spirit at Bushkids?’ These questions are the focus of much of our work at Bushkids. Spending time on the Land gives us all the space and time to consider how we can do that. As the weeks progress, we will continue to return to these questions.
Once we finished the morning circle and fed the fire, the group could explore the site differently. Some went hiking and discovered a lush green forest with a waterfall and one of Yellowknife’s biggest trees. Others stayed back to chop wood, and some helped in the kitchen.
Later, the students explored how to make their own small fires. This required finding a safe spot, gathering tinder (such as bark, spruce, newspaper, dryer lint), small twigs, and slightly bigger sticks, arranging these so that the fire could get everything it needed (oxygen, fuel, spark), and then creating sparks with flint and steel!
At the end of the day, many wanted to return to the waterfall to show Ms. Betsy, so a large group hiked back to the waterfall and began climbing the rocks and trees in the forest.
Why is it Important?
Bushkids’ vision is that “We envision all educators in the NWT spending time connecting with nature and community as a regular and integrated part of their practice. The Land guides learning for all in an ethical space that celebrates Indigenous and Euro-western learning approaches. This way of supporting healthy relationships with ourselves, each other and the Land.”
To create a reciprocal relationship with the Land and to understand themselves as part of the environment, it is helpful to spend lots of time returning to the exact nature space each week. As each week passes, they will strengthen their relationship with themselves, others, and the Land. In just one day, they already have a connection to the waterfall and want to share it with people who are important to them (Ms. Betsy). They will learn alongside Indigenous Elders and knowledge holders as we work to create ethical space by protecting time each week for Land to lead learning.
What Does This Mean For Next Time?
Toward the end of the day, several students shared that they were surprised that they had enjoyed being outside all day so much! Over the next five weeks, we will set out invitations to play that they have shown interest in, such as chopping wood, whittling, fire making, art, cooking traditional foods and Dene games. Students need to learn how to lead their learning, and we will work together with them to do this as we return to the Land each week. As we follow the student’s lead, as educators, we will be very attentive and good at observing the benefits of revisiting these bush skills. We can help the students reflect on what’s changing for them as they practice this spiral learning approach, where they revisit a skill when they feel ready.