Core Competency Questions:
- How can I use discussion and active listening to connect with the importance of “ceremony”?
- How can a deeper understanding of cultural contexts lead to a better understanding of self?
- How is my identity shaped by developing a strong cultural identity?
The Context:
Guided by the First People’s Principles of Learning, our Indigenous students embarked on a learning journey that centered around the concept of “ceremony.” Through small group discussion, students were guided to reflect on what a ceremony is and what their role in a ceremony might be. Using the traditional practice of weaving, students were able to connect their own experiences of belonging and culture to deepen their understanding of the Putting the Canoe to Sleep Ceremony. As students experienced this ceremony, they were invited to explore their own identity, through the teachings of the elders about the significance of this day. Students and their families participated alongside one another, reinforcing the role different generations play in authentic cultural experience.
