We are working on Personalized Land Acknowledgements in class. This relates to Language Arts (Writing), Social Studies (honouring the Indigenous history of Alberta), and Wellness (reflecting on our health).
First, we brainstormed what a Land Acknowledgement is. Here are the descriptions the class came up with:
Then, we discussed in groups the reasons why we do Land Acknowledgements. Here are the reasons the class came up with:
Next, we met in groups of 3 to record what we remember about Medicine Wheels. Here are some things we shared:
- The Medicine Wheel is a circle with no beginning and no end. All sides are equal
- The number 4 is important to many Indigenous cultures because it represents many aspects of life
- 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- 4 directions: East, South, West, North
- 4 elements: Fire, Earth, Water, Wind
- 4 animals: Eagle, Buffalo, Wolf, Bear (these animals will change depending on the group and the important animals in that region)
- 4 plants: tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, cedar
We are using the Medicine Wheel as a Brainstorming Tool for our own personalized land acknowledgments. We are thinking of ways that being outside, on the land, helps us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, in accordance with the 4 sections of the wheel.
Next week, we will use our Brainstorming Tool to help us write a paragraph that explains our own personal connection with the land. We are also having a presentation by a local Indigenous Artist to teach us a new art style. We'll then create artwork in April that accompanies our own land acknowledgements. Stay tuned for pictures of our progress!
