K to A: Culturally Courageous Land-Based Leadership

Dorintosh Central School offered activities to promote wellness, healthy lifestyles, and First Nations Cultural Responsiveness. They accomplished theses goals “by supporting all dimensions of health (Physically, Socially, Emotionally and Psychologically), First Nations culture, and land-based education activities for all students.”

Through the “Cree Camp” created by the local Cree community, youth participated in traditional practices of they participated in bead and blanket making, how to pull a net in winter, medicine walks, storytelling, Tipi teachings and held a Tipi ceremony. They also participated in winter camping, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, shelter building, summer camping, nature walks, and canoeing. The Elders also taught the youth about Treaty signings and did a talk on reconciliation for them. The youth, in turn, conducted a treaty simulation for a group of 35 teachers within their School Division.

Additionally, through work with the Provincial Park’s interpretive center, youth engaged in nature walks, canoeing, ice age walk, geo-caching, swimming and camping (winter and summer). This initiative also led in part to the school pursuing a research grant through the Sterling McDowell Foundation in best practices in education. They also received The Inclusive Education Award for the entire province of Saskatchewan.