Developed by ERLC/ARPDC as a result of a grant from Alberta Education to support implementation
description
Transcript of Developed by ERLC/ARPDC as a result of a grant from Alberta Education to support implementation
Reconnection: FNMI Relationship to Land and Environment
with Debbie Mineault & Francis Whiskeyjack
Developed by ERLC/ARPDC as a result of a grant from Alberta Education to support implementation
2
Different Approaches to Knowing, p.24 Our Words Our Ways
Cardinal, Harold and Walter Hildebrant. (2000). Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan: Our Dream is That Our People Will One Day be Clearly Recognized as Nations.
Guidelines for FNMI teaching and learning of land and
environmentLearn how the
medicine wheel teachings (self,
family, extended family, community)
represent the importance of relationships
among people
Guidelines for FNMI teaching and learning of land and
environmentLearn about the past,
present and future land issues
• Sacred Fire Burning at Queens Park
for the South March Highlands .
Guidelines for FNMI teaching and learning of land and
environmentBecome familiar with
stories of places and respectful behaviors
Writing on Stone Provincial Park, Alberta
Guidelines for FNMI teaching and learning of land and
environment Be aware of the
special ties nations hold to the
land/environment
Albertasource.ca - Alberta Online Encyclopedia Aboriginal Websites and Edukits
Guidelines for FNMI teaching and learning of land and
environmentLearn about local stories that teach connections to the past
Medicine Wheel Teachings:
Francis Whiskeyjack
http://linna.ca/page8.html
FNMI peoples believe that the power of the world expresses itself in circles. The sky and
sun set in circles, seasons make a full circle, the wind is strongest when it
swirls, birds nests are built circular as well as
teepees
Medicine WheelThe circle is divided in four directions. Eachrelates to something in the environment and allfour are interconnected e.g.,• Four seasons (fall, winter, spring, summer)• Four physical elements (earth, air, fire, water)• Four individual aspects (emotional, physical,
spiritual, intellectual)• Four stages of life (child, teen, adult, elder)• Four sacred medicines (sage, tobacco,
sweetgrass, cedar)
Being close to nature relieves stress—clears
head, rekindles energy
First Nation/community practices that reflect respect for the
interconnectedness of life such as seasonal ceremonies and hunts,
resource management laws
Geographical features of ancestral lands that
are mentioned in traditional narratives
of families /clans
Creation stories that teach humans to live in harmony
with all other things in nature
Implication for FNMI Traditions
What are some of cultural and environmental implications for balancing FNMI ecosystems?
Example: earth, air, fire, water—when one is abused, the other three suffer
Instructional Strategies• Select books and videos that illustrate FNMI
peoples’ relationship to the environment• Integrate group role plays on environmental aspects• Invite students to research traditional uses of
natural resources• Compare traditional and contemporary practices on
resource management • Invite Elders and knowledge keepers to share
traditional yearly activities on the land
Final Session
April 19, 2011 Balance of Cultures
ERLC WIKI - FNMI Student Success