Tag Archives: medicinal plants

5 Helpful links-Indigenous Ways of Knowing

I hope you find some of these links useful as you take your journey.

Cyber-Traveler’s Reflections (Module 1)

http://www.native-art-in-canada.com/woodland-art-symbolism.html

The Meaning of the Woodland Art Symbolism. When Norval Morrisseau first began painting, his intention was to re-introduce the Anishnaabe world view into the contemporary consciousness. The Ojibwa culture had been all but obliterated by the imposition of external governance and the influence of Christian churches. Morrisseau painted the spiritual reality that had been the foundation of Ojibwa life for thousands of years. Raised by his shaman grandfather, Norval was familiar with the symbols used on the midewiwin birchbark scrolls.

http://archive.millelacsband.com/Page_culture.aspx?id=125

An elder of the Mille Lac Band of Ojibwe Reservation writes about the culture and traditions surrounding death and funerals.  He writes from his own experiences.

http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/alanis-obomsawin-tells-the-legend-of-nanabozho

A radio story found in CBC digital archives.  “The Legend of Nanabohzo”  is the story of Nokomis, her daughter Winona, and Winona’s son Nanabozho. It’s one of thousands of legends Canada’s aboriginals have passed down the generations to tell stories about tribal ancestors and to teach children how to behave. Storyteller Alanis Obamsawin relates the Ojibwa legend for CBC Radio.

http://www.nosm.ca/communities/aboriginal_affairs/general.aspx?id=4102

On this website The Northern Ontario School of Medicine explains how the medical school engages and works with Indigenous Elders.  For NOSM Indigenous students, the presence and work of Elders can be a key factor which contributes to student success.

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/plants-native-uses/

This article outlines the many uses of plants to the Indigenous Peoples. These include food, medicine, utility and spiritual.

Module 4: Post #3- Exploring our Environment through Experiential Learning

The lesson plan on the Exploration of Medicinal Plants (http://ankn.uaf.edu/Curriculum/Units/medplants.html) found on the Alaska Native Knowledge Network site integrates Indigenous knowledge with Science curriculum outcomes, giving students experience learning first hand about where and how medicinal plants are used.

At the International School I worked at in Singapore, I had the opportunity to be involved in our Open Minds program which was based on experiential learning outside of the classroom. Holistic connections were made with our natural environment and with examining issues through different perspectives. For example, when I taught Grade 2, one of the sites we visited was the Eco Garden at the Singapore Science Centre. (http://www.science.edu.sg/exhibitions/Pages/ecogarden.aspx) where we examined the different uses of medicinal plants.

The next step for this program would be to add in connections to Indigenous cultures, for example working with elders who have knowledge of the local plants and their uses. It is also very important to ensure students learn about Indigenous communities connections to the the land and environmental sustainability.