Learning Story – Prepare the Feast
May 29, 2026
What Happened?
We missed Auntie Edna a lot this week. With her being away, we had to come together and work hard to prepare the feast. We asked the Bushkids to help us and consider some of the skills that theylearned to help us prepare for their families.
Wilbert Menacho joined us and shared his love for the Land and for everyone. He told us how important it is to say “I love you”. He validated the Bushkids for all of the time they spent on the Land and how important that will always be for their leadership, their communities and their families.
Once again the Bushkids werepatient and waited until the end of the day to explore the lake. The Bushkids are so curious about the habitat and everything that lives there. Here are some of the things were heard:
Child 1 “What are the shadows on the ocean?”
Child 2 “It’s not an ocean. It’s a lake.”
“Do the fish eat bugs?”
“One of the water boatman molted.”
“The wind was pulling me over.” (almost fell)
“I can see fish eggs on the seaweed.”
“I found a hairworm!!!!”
“I want to help you find a jumpy thing.”
Why is it Important
Students will understand that the land has provided the Dene with everything they needed to survive for thousands of years. All kinds of animals, plants and fish were available. The Dene have developed their own system of food gathering, preparation and preservation. Food is a source of wealth for the Dene. It must be shared to be replenished. One must never deny another food. Dene Kede p. 200
The Bushkids love to gather and share food together. Over the year, Auntie Edna has shared so much knowledge about traditional foods with the Bushkids. Today the Bushkids helped prepare the food without Auntotie Edna’s help, but her knowledge and wisdom was there with them every step of the way. It was a beautiful opportunity to honour Auntie Edna and pass on the knowledge with their own families.
What’s Next?
“All flourishing is mutual.” Robin Wall Kimmerer
We have learned together, and we have grown together. Thank you for all that you and your families bring to Bushkids!
With summer around the corner, we will rest and gather again in Autumn. We look forward to seeing everyone again in the future, whether on the street or at the site. Take care of yourself, each other and the Land
Mahsı̀ cho for an amazing year!