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

Thank you!

CONTACT

Debbie.Mineault@gov.ab.ca