Learning Story – 3D Map of Bushkids site 

Learning Story – 3D Map of Bushkids site 

The Week of Feb 25th, 2025

What Happened?

Today we discussed why it is important to know where you are on the Land. To do this the Bushkids created a 3D map of the site, which included the lake and the Healing Camp. They worked together to decide which items would represent the buildings and important places here at Bushkids. Later on in the day, they also had the opportunity to draw a 2D map. They played a game together where they hid an item somewhere at the camp when no one was looking, and then they placed a matching item on the map. Then all of the other Bushkids looked at the map and had to work together to find the hidden item. 

Why is it Important?

Dene Kede p. 28

“Know that the Dene have always attached much importance and meaning to the land. The land has meant life and death to people. Most areas that were named were somehow significant to the survival of people.”

The Bushkids were given the freedom and choice of how they wanted to create a map of their surroundings. They noticed that they had to orient themselves on the Land. Much discussion and deliberation went into deciding the scale and direction of the map. We discussed how people must have navigated and communicated about the Land in the past, and how those skills are still important today.

What Does This Mean For Next Time?

The Bushkids were so engaged in this activity. Moving forward, we could encourage them to create another 3D map, but consider where they are in the city or the territory. We could further discuss the different landmarks and place names that are used nearby and in Yellowknife. The place names signify burial sites, where to hunt, where to fish, where important events occurred, where to do ceremonies, where not to swim and so much more.