Learning Story – Weledeh Catholic School – Being Safe
Session 3, The Week of October 15, 2024
What Happened?
Where did we see each other being safe?
“We kept our distance when carrying the tipi poles.”
“We stopped carrying the tipi pole alone and did it with 2 people.”
“We changed the size of our blood bubble” (a bubble we keep around us that no one can come in when we are using tools)
“I heard people warn ‘I am going to come into your blood bubble.’”
“Walking around the fire and not running.”
“No pushing and being calm while making bannock.”
“During caribou caribou game, we used caution when running.”
“I saw the axe being passed safely with the blade pointed down at the ground.”
“Fire making.”
“We opened and closed the knife away from ourselves.”
“I used the correct gloves for whittling the bannock stick.”
“I said ‘Oh- I don’t have gloves!!’ And then I went and got some for whittling!”
Why is it Important?
Why is this important? What is changing for the youth?
“When chopping wood it’s no longer a competition, they were sharing the time and the space.”
“They are finding their way at the site and more comfortable.”
“There was no complaining today and everyone was contributing.”
“The energy felt so positive.”
“The talking stick helped them to listen a bit better.”
What Does This Mean For Next Time?
We see the youth taking care of themselves and each other so much more, especially in the context of being safe while on the land. Their listening skills are definitely improving, but we will focus on the importance of being a good listener and how this is a way of showing love for others, the land, and themselves. We will reflect on the Dene Law, “Love each other as much as possible,” and talk about the word love and what it means.