What do animal bones, cedar bark and sea otter fur have in common? This week the Grade 5s considered this question through hands-on interaction with cultural artefacts in their library block. This activity was a part of their Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry where they explored Indigenous views on natural resources.Â
A Basket of Culture
Ms. Gardecki guided the students through an exploration of a basket of cultural items provided by Jessica Silvey, known as Red Cedar Woman, from the shÃshálh (Sechelt) Nation. The artefacts ranged from cedar weaving, pelts, and supplies such as beads, buttons, paints and sharp tools from shells, plants, animal bones and antlers and stones—all harvested from the land and sea nearby. The basket also included item cards and activity booklets to explain each object and its functional purpose.
Students inquired how the resources were harvested, learning that many of the resources are not readily available and take time to collect. Their curiosity prompted questions about the use of artefacts, which were sometimes surprising.
One such example was a deer bone that could be used as a tool for puncturing holes into hide. This led into a conversation of how Indigenous people would use all parts of the animal for a variety of purposes including food, clothing and tools.
The Indigenous peoples’ deep connection to the land and its resources is reflected in the names of many traditional territories, which the Grade 5s have also been learning this term. For example lil’wat translates to wild onion, which naturally grows in the traditional territories of the skwa7mesh and lil’wat territories in the Whistler region.
Connecting to the Bigger Picture
This hands-on exploration connected to the Indigenous teachings that the Grade 5s have been learning through September as part of their Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry, such as how we can use the land as a teacher, the importance of not picking the first flower and the responsibility we all have for the health of the planet.
At the end of the artefact investigation, students participated in an art activity where they were given a wooden heart to decorate with or write down the Indigenous teaching about the land that spoke most to them. This is a part of a larger project, led by Ms. Gardecki, that the entire Junior School is participating in to honour Orange Shirt Day and the process of reconciliation.
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