LSSD Grade 4 - 6
Truth and Reconciliation Week
Sept 25th - 29th 2023
The videos, links and activities are to help you navigate through Truth and Reconciliation week. You can complete them at any point during your day. Any questions, please let me know [email protected].
September 25th 2023
1, Kujo's Kidzone has a great explanation of Orange Shirt Day and Residential Schools - 7m18s - youtu.be/Ty3ezkcgceQ?si=swZMa458CYVHvTcu
2. Orange Shirt Day as explained by Phyllis Webstad author of The Orange Shirt Story - youtu.be/EuW4WbekhxY?si=z3IFWAys837DWFk4
3. Read Aloud of the Orange Shirt Story - youtu.be/f2HiJplYsd8?si=x7dpRkhimycRUHyD
4. Conversation Starters:
1, Kujo's Kidzone has a great explanation of Orange Shirt Day and Residential Schools - 7m18s - youtu.be/Ty3ezkcgceQ?si=swZMa458CYVHvTcu
2. Orange Shirt Day as explained by Phyllis Webstad author of The Orange Shirt Story - youtu.be/EuW4WbekhxY?si=z3IFWAys837DWFk4
3. Read Aloud of the Orange Shirt Story - youtu.be/f2HiJplYsd8?si=x7dpRkhimycRUHyD
4. Conversation Starters:
- What do you think it might have been like to attend residential school?
- Info about Residential Schools - They were schools created by the Canadian Government and some churches to teach First Nations (then later Metis and Inuit) children. They were not like our schools today. Indigenous children had to live at those schools. They went to Residential School far away from their homes. They didn't get to see their family until either Christmas Break or Summer Break - maybe. Some children never saw their family ever again. Their parents weren't allowed to come visit them. These schools were not caring places where Indigenous children felt safe. Indigenous children were treated very badly there for speaking their indigenous language, for interacting with their siblings, and just for being Indigenous. Some Indigenous children got to go home when their schooling was complete. Many others did not return home because they died due to illness or abuse.
- The nearest residential schools to Lord Selkirk School Division - Fort Alexander Indian Residential School 1906 -1970 near Sagkeeng First Nation, Sandy bay Indian Residential School 1905-1970 near Sandy Bay First Nation, St. Paul's Industrial School (St. Rupert's Land Industrial School) 1886-1906 near Middlechurch, Manitoba. Link to information about St. Paul's Industrial School www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/pageant/04/industrialschool.shtml
- Have you ever spent a long time away from home? What did it feel like?
- Can you imagine being away from home for 300 sleeps?
- What did Phyllis do to find happiness?
- What do you do when you're feeling sad or lonely?
- Why do we wear Orange Shirts on September 30th?
September 26th 2023
1. Being an active participant in Reconciliation is learning about different aspects of Indigenous Culture. Today, we will learn about the 4 Sacred Medicines. Document for information below.
A picture of each medicine is included below.
If you have access to these medicines, bring them in for the students to discover. Or contact someone who may have access to these medicines. Ask your students if they have ever seen, touched, smelled these particular plants before.
FYI: Organic tobacco is MUCH different than store-bought processed tobacco; however, it still needs to be handled with care. Please do not allow young children to touch any tobacco products, only observe and smell if they choose.
1. Being an active participant in Reconciliation is learning about different aspects of Indigenous Culture. Today, we will learn about the 4 Sacred Medicines. Document for information below.
A picture of each medicine is included below.
If you have access to these medicines, bring them in for the students to discover. Or contact someone who may have access to these medicines. Ask your students if they have ever seen, touched, smelled these particular plants before.
FYI: Organic tobacco is MUCH different than store-bought processed tobacco; however, it still needs to be handled with care. Please do not allow young children to touch any tobacco products, only observe and smell if they choose.
4_sacred_medicines.docx | |
File Size: | 227 kb |
File Type: | docx |
2. Have students in groups of 2 or 3 to determine the life cycle of each of these four sacred medicines. What they look like at each stage of its cycle. And where to find this particular medicine within Manitoba. They can draw each stage of the life cycle and colour it. Have them learn more about the significance of each Sacred Medicine to the Anishinaabe of Manitoba. There are many digital resources out there.
FYI. Students will have a difficult time finding where tobacco grows in Manitoba - even though it CAN grow in Manitoba. It is not native to here. However, a different type of tobacco was used. We called this "Kinnikinnik" or red willow tobacco. This is found all over Manitoba. It is usually mixed with juniper and bear berry leaves as well.
3. Have each student recreate a "3-D image" of each Sacred Medicine and display it on the classroom bulletin board with their findings.
Tobacco - brown kraft paper cut into dinner plate sized leaves, then crushed and wrinkled together. They can be bundled and tied at the stem as if they were being dried for storage later on.
Sage - Light green construction paper cut into a long strip about 2 inches wide. Then fringe about the top half of that strip. Glue/Tape it around a green pipe cleaner, then pull the fringes down so they look spiky like sage leaves up a tall skinny stem. Gather it into a bundle and tie the ends together.
Sweetgrass - Cut long skinny strips of green construction paper. 21 strips in total for each braid. 3 groups of 7, and braid each of those groups carefully. Tie the ends so they stay together.
Cedar - Brown construction paper cut into a random leaf shape. Use balled up green construction paper and glue down in neat little orderly rows like seen on a flat cedar leaf.
FYI. Students will have a difficult time finding where tobacco grows in Manitoba - even though it CAN grow in Manitoba. It is not native to here. However, a different type of tobacco was used. We called this "Kinnikinnik" or red willow tobacco. This is found all over Manitoba. It is usually mixed with juniper and bear berry leaves as well.
3. Have each student recreate a "3-D image" of each Sacred Medicine and display it on the classroom bulletin board with their findings.
Tobacco - brown kraft paper cut into dinner plate sized leaves, then crushed and wrinkled together. They can be bundled and tied at the stem as if they were being dried for storage later on.
Sage - Light green construction paper cut into a long strip about 2 inches wide. Then fringe about the top half of that strip. Glue/Tape it around a green pipe cleaner, then pull the fringes down so they look spiky like sage leaves up a tall skinny stem. Gather it into a bundle and tie the ends together.
Sweetgrass - Cut long skinny strips of green construction paper. 21 strips in total for each braid. 3 groups of 7, and braid each of those groups carefully. Tie the ends so they stay together.
Cedar - Brown construction paper cut into a random leaf shape. Use balled up green construction paper and glue down in neat little orderly rows like seen on a flat cedar leaf.
September 27th 2023
1. Smudging. Smudging is a traditional practice with many Indigenous people across Canada. However, not all Indigenous peoples smudge. Smudging is a practice that is used to set an intention before beginning something new. Within Anishinaabe society, we smudge before going into ceremony, we smudge to pray, we smudge to gain guidance and clarity, we smudge to clear our hearts and minds, we smudge to begin new relationships, we smudge to clean our houses, medicine bundles, regalia, etc. We smudge to honour ourselves and our journey of Mino Bimaadiziwin - The Good Life. Smudging is our main practice of establishing ourselves as good people within our culture. Smudging is also a practice to maintain good mental health. Winnipeg School Division has offered a simple explanation of smudging below.
2. Many organizations and schools offer smudging. It is an inclusive practice that allows all people to be a part of it. There are protocols that come with learning how to smudge, so invite someone to your classroom to teach how to smudge and model it in the classroom. I have included a simple book on Smudging below, as well as a video link about smudging.
1. Smudging. Smudging is a traditional practice with many Indigenous people across Canada. However, not all Indigenous peoples smudge. Smudging is a practice that is used to set an intention before beginning something new. Within Anishinaabe society, we smudge before going into ceremony, we smudge to pray, we smudge to gain guidance and clarity, we smudge to clear our hearts and minds, we smudge to begin new relationships, we smudge to clean our houses, medicine bundles, regalia, etc. We smudge to honour ourselves and our journey of Mino Bimaadiziwin - The Good Life. Smudging is our main practice of establishing ourselves as good people within our culture. Smudging is also a practice to maintain good mental health. Winnipeg School Division has offered a simple explanation of smudging below.
2. Many organizations and schools offer smudging. It is an inclusive practice that allows all people to be a part of it. There are protocols that come with learning how to smudge, so invite someone to your classroom to teach how to smudge and model it in the classroom. I have included a simple book on Smudging below, as well as a video link about smudging.
smudging_by_jennifer_storm.pdf | |
File Size: | 5449 kb |
File Type: |
September 28th 2023
1. The Power of Water. Water is Life. Water is an especially important medicine as without it, we would have no life. Within Anishinaabe teachings we understand that water is sacred and powerful. Like many things water has a cycle that is integral to all living beings and the earth itself. Have the students do some basic research about the Water Cycle. Have them find out how powerful water is in it's many forms.
2. Within Anishinaabe society - the women are the carriers of water. They are the ones that carry special water within themselves when they carry a baby within their bodies. This water is considered the portal that connects the baby between the Spirit World where it was learning with our ancestors, and waiting to enter the world we live in. The women - the water carriers - take it upon themselves to teach the community about the importance of clean water. During ceremony, the women carry it in special copper pails or cups to pour over the hot rocks during a sweatlodge ceremony.
We also have appointed a National Water Protector. Her name is Autumn Peltier. Her role is to educate everyone all around the world the importance of clean drinking water, and making it accessible to all people. Learn more about Autumn Peltier - Anishinaabe Water Protector.
Have the students do some research about how many communities in Manitoba have Boil Water Advisories. Have them locate those communities on a Map of Manitoba (below). Have them research about what is causing the water in these communities to be polluted and undrinkable. What are some solutions to give these communities clean drinking water?
3. Shoal Lake 40 First Nation - Boil Water Advisory - Shoal Lake 40 FN has an aqueduct located near the community that carries the water from it's lake all the way to Winnipeg to supply the city with potable water. However, Shoal Lake 40 has never had the infrastructure to access that lake water and has been living on a boil water advisory for 24+ years.
Discuss with the students the impacts that the aqueduct and the boil water advisory has had on Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. What is Freedom Road? How does this change the outlook for Shoal Lake 40 First Nation? What are your thoughts on communities in Manitoba that do not have access to clean water? Discuss whether Winnipeg should acknowledge that their water comes from the resources of another community?
1. The Power of Water. Water is Life. Water is an especially important medicine as without it, we would have no life. Within Anishinaabe teachings we understand that water is sacred and powerful. Like many things water has a cycle that is integral to all living beings and the earth itself. Have the students do some basic research about the Water Cycle. Have them find out how powerful water is in it's many forms.
2. Within Anishinaabe society - the women are the carriers of water. They are the ones that carry special water within themselves when they carry a baby within their bodies. This water is considered the portal that connects the baby between the Spirit World where it was learning with our ancestors, and waiting to enter the world we live in. The women - the water carriers - take it upon themselves to teach the community about the importance of clean water. During ceremony, the women carry it in special copper pails or cups to pour over the hot rocks during a sweatlodge ceremony.
We also have appointed a National Water Protector. Her name is Autumn Peltier. Her role is to educate everyone all around the world the importance of clean drinking water, and making it accessible to all people. Learn more about Autumn Peltier - Anishinaabe Water Protector.
Have the students do some research about how many communities in Manitoba have Boil Water Advisories. Have them locate those communities on a Map of Manitoba (below). Have them research about what is causing the water in these communities to be polluted and undrinkable. What are some solutions to give these communities clean drinking water?
3. Shoal Lake 40 First Nation - Boil Water Advisory - Shoal Lake 40 FN has an aqueduct located near the community that carries the water from it's lake all the way to Winnipeg to supply the city with potable water. However, Shoal Lake 40 has never had the infrastructure to access that lake water and has been living on a boil water advisory for 24+ years.
Discuss with the students the impacts that the aqueduct and the boil water advisory has had on Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. What is Freedom Road? How does this change the outlook for Shoal Lake 40 First Nation? What are your thoughts on communities in Manitoba that do not have access to clean water? Discuss whether Winnipeg should acknowledge that their water comes from the resources of another community?
manitoba31.pdf | |
File Size: | 83 kb |
File Type: |
September 29th 2023 - LSSD ORANGE SHIRT DAY
1. Part of Reconciliation is acknowledging the resources from the land. We have looked at the 4 Sacred Medicines and that Water is Life. Dependent on the weather, take the students outside to look at the natural resources around them. Have them explore with pencil and paper, a small journal, their phones (for those who have). Have them draw, take pictures, notes of things that they see, touch, hear, smell that is natural and that they are grateful to have in their community. Have them get up close and personal with nature. Have them look at leaves and the texture they feel on the bark of the trees. The little ants crawling in the dirt, and the shifting of pebbles in the playground. Remind them to be respectful of the natural world around them. That it is limited and must be taken care of.
If the weather is not the greatest - example if it is raining, which is perfect - talk about the water. Have them observe what the rain is doing outside. How it sounds, how it moves, where it flows. Who benefits from the rain?
The women in Anishinaabe society perform water ceremony to give honour to the water. They gift it tobacco to show that they are grateful for its healing medicine and pray that it remain healthy for the community. Or, if it is unhealthy to become healthy again. Water songs are sung to heal the water and to give honour to it.
Have each student fill up their water bottles or get a cup of water. Have them really think about the benefits of that water. We are incredibly lucky that we have access to drinkable clean water. Have them really think about about being thankful for that privelege, even though clean drinking water is supposed to be a human right.
Many of the the students know the Water (Wishitah) Song - below. Play it, and if they are feeling confident, encourage them to sing with it. Part of healing and giving thanks to the water is to sing to it.
There is another Water song. Encourage them to listen and to sing with it if they pick it up. Water is Medicine. Water is Life.
2. Acts of Kindness - Create little orange hearts (Or they can colour in hearts - doesn't have to be orange) that the students can write little phrases on that will bring other people joy. Have the students give these out to other classmates, teachers, schoolmates etc.
3. Survivor's Flag - Have the students learn about the different aspects of the Survivors Flag. Check out the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to learn more about the different images inside the Survivor's Flag. nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/
a. Have the students observe the image of the Survivor's Flag. Ask them what they see and what they wonder about the different images that are in the design. Find out more from the linked website about the story behind each image.
b. Ask the students why is it so important for everyone to wear orange and to fly this special flag? If the students have seen the flag flying outside of the school, have them go check it out.
c. Encourage the students to talk about Orange Shirt Day with their parents/guardians and to participate in any FREE Sept 30th 2023 Orange Shirt Day Activities in the community:
Selkirk youth HUDDLE is having Truth and Reconciliation Activities happening at the Waterfront Sept 30th, 2023.
Selkirk Friendship Centre is having a Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony at Selkirk Park Sept 30th, 2023 10am -1:30am.
Remember to Wear Orange!
1. Part of Reconciliation is acknowledging the resources from the land. We have looked at the 4 Sacred Medicines and that Water is Life. Dependent on the weather, take the students outside to look at the natural resources around them. Have them explore with pencil and paper, a small journal, their phones (for those who have). Have them draw, take pictures, notes of things that they see, touch, hear, smell that is natural and that they are grateful to have in their community. Have them get up close and personal with nature. Have them look at leaves and the texture they feel on the bark of the trees. The little ants crawling in the dirt, and the shifting of pebbles in the playground. Remind them to be respectful of the natural world around them. That it is limited and must be taken care of.
If the weather is not the greatest - example if it is raining, which is perfect - talk about the water. Have them observe what the rain is doing outside. How it sounds, how it moves, where it flows. Who benefits from the rain?
The women in Anishinaabe society perform water ceremony to give honour to the water. They gift it tobacco to show that they are grateful for its healing medicine and pray that it remain healthy for the community. Or, if it is unhealthy to become healthy again. Water songs are sung to heal the water and to give honour to it.
Have each student fill up their water bottles or get a cup of water. Have them really think about the benefits of that water. We are incredibly lucky that we have access to drinkable clean water. Have them really think about about being thankful for that privelege, even though clean drinking water is supposed to be a human right.
Many of the the students know the Water (Wishitah) Song - below. Play it, and if they are feeling confident, encourage them to sing with it. Part of healing and giving thanks to the water is to sing to it.
There is another Water song. Encourage them to listen and to sing with it if they pick it up. Water is Medicine. Water is Life.
2. Acts of Kindness - Create little orange hearts (Or they can colour in hearts - doesn't have to be orange) that the students can write little phrases on that will bring other people joy. Have the students give these out to other classmates, teachers, schoolmates etc.
3. Survivor's Flag - Have the students learn about the different aspects of the Survivors Flag. Check out the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to learn more about the different images inside the Survivor's Flag. nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/
a. Have the students observe the image of the Survivor's Flag. Ask them what they see and what they wonder about the different images that are in the design. Find out more from the linked website about the story behind each image.
b. Ask the students why is it so important for everyone to wear orange and to fly this special flag? If the students have seen the flag flying outside of the school, have them go check it out.
c. Encourage the students to talk about Orange Shirt Day with their parents/guardians and to participate in any FREE Sept 30th 2023 Orange Shirt Day Activities in the community:
Selkirk youth HUDDLE is having Truth and Reconciliation Activities happening at the Waterfront Sept 30th, 2023.
Selkirk Friendship Centre is having a Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony at Selkirk Park Sept 30th, 2023 10am -1:30am.
Remember to Wear Orange!
wishatah_-_water_song.m4a | |
File Size: | 1073 kb |
File Type: | m4a |