Learning Story – Visit From Family Connection program
The Week of April 15, 2025
What Happened?
Today we welcomed the Family Connection program to join Bushkids for the morning. The Bushkids helped prepare for the event by helping to cook stew and bannock and setting up a puppet show for the families. They were soooo creative! The curtain went up and several Bushkids planned the skits. Others created a concession stand, a ticket booth and seating area. When the participants from the Family Connections program arrived, the Bushkids welcomed them and led the safety talk. We also invited everyone to work on the moose hide, which we were dryscraping today.
Why is it Important?
The Bushkids were able to take on leadership roles throughout the day and all the while participating in creative play. The invitation to play was a tarp, rope and puppets. From this came an entire day of cooperative play. The Bushkids worked together to set up the show, introduced it and performed. They enjoyed it so much that in the afternoon, they decided to host another show, which we invited people from the Healing Camp to attend.
For some of the people in the Family Connection’s program, this was their first time at Bushkids or spending time on the Land in this way. We heard:
“This is the first time I have had moose stew. It’s delicious.”
“How old are you? I’m so impressed that you gave the safety talk!”
“My daughter loves playing outside!”
“We loved being out here with the children. We hope we can come again.”
The Bushkids took on different roles as leaders. We all have different gifts to share and those gifts can guide how we lead. Those that are confident in their speech can welcome and share stories. Those who have the gift of organizing, can take on that role etc… Through this experience, the Bushkids can identify their strengths and build their confidence.
Dene Kede p.182
Students will:
-Recognize qualities of leadership in others and appreciate them.
-Recognize qualities of leadership in the self, and develop them: take opportunities to take responsibility, spend time learning from elders, listen to others.
What Does This Mean For Next Time?
We will continue to find ways to welcome different organizations to the Bushkids’ site. We would like to thank the NWT Literacy Council for their support in making this event possible. We also might explore the idea of having a tour of NACC and what goes on behind the scenes at a big theater! We will also continue to work on the moose hides each week that we have the privilege of working with.