Directory of education projects

Anicinapek

Outdoor Education

• Ongoing
• Season and weather permitting
• Land-based

Objectives:

• To provide active experiential learning situations
• To build on skills and knowledge related to use of the land and social structures
• To recognize various harvesting seasons for different plants and animals

Target age group:

• 12-21 year old students of Amo Ososwan School
• Elementary students; K-6 of Amo Ososwan School

Description:

Outdoor Education is a secondary school non-compulsory course at Amo Ososwan School. Student interest and need are primary to the student selection process; students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are often more likely to be provided space in the program. The program provides opportunities for transformative teaching and learning practices in which students can experience and learn about wilderness survival skills, traditional land use, and relationships with the natural world.

Activities are based on and restricted to seasonal conditions. Planned activities and excursions with elders and/or cultural agents are normally arranged for secondary students, but elementary classes are also encouraged to take part when possible.  Past activities and excursions have included:

• Moose hunting
• Birch bark harvesting
• Land maintenance

Benefits:

• Facilitates deepened knowledge of traditional land use; develops understanding of the significance of traditional knowledge systems, as well as the natural world
• Encourages community-building: emphasizes collaboration between students and with cultural agents, elders, and teachers
• Confirms Algonquin-Anishnabeg sense of identity
• Purposeful establishment of safe and ethical space for Indigenous knowledge systems; provides space for community engagement