Author Archives: PaulaZubkowski

Module 2 – Post 5

Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories by Wilfred Buck

This resource is a video series to learn star stories from Wilfred Buck who is Cree. This made me reflect on how Zimmerman et al. (2000) shared how some Indigenous peoples could be offended when Indigenous stories are being recorded. I have been fortunate to attend Wilfred Buck’s sessions before and he always shares how these stories are created to be heard with others so that they can be passed on from generation to generation. As mentioned in Zimmerman et al. (2000) these videos can preserve his culture and stories. I think these video provide a strong voice to share stories of the sky. How will educators and students learn if we don’t have resources like this created? How can we ensure what we are using is with an authentic voice? These are to capture the stories of the sky from a Cree’s perspectives and histories. Whereas, we need to remember Indigenous communities are diverse across Turtle Island and many different nations may have different stories about the sky. This resource is informative because it is done through oral traditions and gives insight into how stars tell us a story.

Module 2 – Post 4

“Remembering our Children” is an augmented reality learning experience in Calgary that uses Kalum Teke Dan’s art. This artist has been painting incredible art pieces around Calgary. His “Sunset Song” is a mural project. He also has a BUMP art series where you can find his art throughout the University, Calgary Public Library, schools, communities, and the sides of downtown buildings. He continues to tell stories through his art. What has become the most impactful is using his digital storytelling experiences to understand his art and to hear his voice.

Here are a few stories showcasing his art and seeing the impact his stories can have on a community.

https://kalumtekedan.godaddysites.com/ 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/17th-ave-mural-development-calgary-1.6204195

 

 

 

 

Module 2 – Post 3

This resource provides a wealth of knowledge through videos. I was fortunate to travel on the Canada C3 expedition in 2017. This expedition brought Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals from coast to coast to coast to learn together to make a better Canada/Turtle Island. This was one of the most transformative learning experiences I have ever encountered. I was able to connect with my class virtually to share my journey. The videos that were produced daily on the ship truly speak to experiences that happened across Canada. I was able to hear and join in on ceremonies daily to build a better understanding of traditional knowledge.

Here are a few of my favorite videos from Canada C3 about Reconciliation:

Explore Canada C3 video resources as these are quick videos to provide knowledge to your class or for yourself to learn more about our histories. The videos share stories about relocation, reconciliation, impacts of the oil industry in communities, sixties scoop, ceremonies, celebration of cultures, and personal stories. Please take the time to navigate this resource and learn more about Canada from coast to coast to coast.

This resource is valuable because it shows how videos can become a teaching tool to provide a voice for Indigenous Peoples.

If you have any questions about my journey feel free to connect. https://canadac3.ca/en/expedition/

 

Module 2 – Post 2

AR IndigiTRAILS

This resource is a powerful experience that provides land-based AR experience for others. While individuals explore Treaty 7 land in Mohkinstis they also get to use an app to follow a path of learning. This immersive experience opens one’s minds to Indigenous stories of youth today and to learn from our past histories. I find this to be a valuable tool as it gets people to explore the outdoors while learning. We know that Indigenous Knowledge is land-based so this digital tool compliments the idea to get people outside to connect to the land.

As an educator this would be an engaging lesson for students as they would be able to explore the land while connecting to stories. It also makes me wonder how students could create their own tours? Or would that be disrespectful to the authentic voices who shared their expertise to design these experiences? Maybe the purpose of the IndigiTRAILS is to embrace the knowledge that you can learn from these experiences.

#digitalstorytelling #Treaty7land

 

 

Module 2 – Post 1

Power of Storytelling

This National Geographic Professional Development Series focuses on the Impact of Storytelling. How can educators work with their students to build authentic learning experiences that captures the voices of others? These FREE storytelling classes can be transformative to provide educators with the tools to help students to be agents of change!

Three Classes to Complete 

  • Photography – https://account.nationalgeographic.org/courses/sfi-photo-ed-2021-a/
  • Videography – https://account.nationalgeographic.org/courses/sfi-video-ed-2020/
  • Audio – https://account.nationalgeographic.org/courses/sfi-audio-ed-2021/

This video is a snippet of how videos/audio/images can look at multiple perspectives when trying to understand a topic or culture. The “Impact of Stories” can build empathy and knowledge for how we collect information from diverse cultures. It is a stepping stone into understanding how National Geographic uses this multimodal learning to enhance understanding and build a community of difference makers.

 

 

 

Module 1 – Post 5

Google Earth is an interactive digital tool that enhances educational experiences. Review these Google Earth Stories that help to share knowledge about our Canadian history. Three Canadian Geographic Google Earth Stories to explore:

  1. Canada’s Residential Schools
  2. Indigenous Cultural Heritage
  3. Original Place Names

https://earth.google.com/web/@43.127456,-80.240846,200.99398697a,4500000d,35y,0h,45t,0r/data=CkYSRBIgYTBlNWFkNDVhMjBiMTFlN2IzZmQzZjBhY2YwNDZiOWEiIGVmZWVkX3JjZ3NfcmVzaWRlbnRpYWxfc2Nob29sc18w

https://earth.google.com/web/@55.95077294,-79.32640954,-3.37038313a,5664994.70106378d,35y,23.89356515h,0t,0r/data=CjASLhIgYjU0YWFhNDI2ZTRhMTFlOGFjYjM0ZGJhNDk1NmM3YjQiCnZveV9zcGxhc2g

https://earth.google.com/web/@55.95077294,-79.32640954,-3.37038313a,5664994.70106378d,35y,23.89356515h,0t,0r/data=Cj4SPBIgYmVjMmFjMDczMzhlMTFlOGEzYTFmZjM4NTk0YmQ5ZmEiGGVmZWVkX3JjZ3NfcGxhY2VfbmFtZXNfMA

These resources make learning visible.

Google Earth can also be used to map different regions. For example when searching Treaty 7 in Google Earth I was able to see the borders and share the different Blackfoot regions in Alberta. You can view the Google Earth Stories that are designed and shared in the voyager tab of Google Earth. However, you can also make your own Google Earth projects to build your own stories. This is valuable as it focuses on creation versus consumption. The Canadian Geographic Google Earth stories are important to view as they were designed with authentic voices across Canada. They were made to give teachers the confidence to teach about Indigenous topics.

I think everyone should use Google Earth as a resource because it is imperative for people to understand what is where, why there, and why care?

Module 1 – Post 4

Here is another documentary that is currently on Netflix. This warms my heart to know we are educating our nation. “For Love” reflects on Indigenous communities across Canada. It share the links between residential schools and the child welfare system.

All of these resources are intriguing to me as I am a visual learner. Digital storytelling can express and share peoples stories. This documentary shares many of the issues of Indigenous Peoples: housing, suicide, clean drinking water, loss of language, addictions, foster care, and so many other topics. It also shares the resilience of Indigenous Peoples and how they are reclaiming their culture, language, music, and stories.

There is so much to share about this movie. I was debating back and forth with my Supervisor of Indigenous Education about what grade level would this movie be appropriate for. I thought maybe high school? If anyone has a different view about this I would be interested to hear their thoughts. Portions of the video remind me of our reading by Marker (2006) about the Makah Whale Hunt and Indigenous rights. We need to honor Indigenous rights, knowledge and spirituality.

Hopefully you can take some time this weekend to watch this video as it is very informative.

Marker, M. (2006).  After the Makah Whale Hunt: Indigenous Knowledge and Limits to Multicultural Discourse. Links to an external site. Urban Education 41(5), 1-24.

 

Module 1 – Post 3

Mootookakio’ssin 

Have you explored 360 imagery before? If not, you will find this resource immersive as it allows you to see artifacts in 3D. This allows students to grasp the concept of innovative tools that were used by the Blackfoot nations in the 19th and 20th century. This is a digital Blackfoot library as stated, “Mootookakio’ssin aims to virtually reconnect Blackfoot items in museums with Blackfoot people and assist in the process of knowledge renewal and transmission that occurs within the tribes.”

Check out this link to learn more: https://mootookakiossin.ca/

If you explore the Technology phase you will be impressed with how they were able to use photogrammetry and reflectance transformation imaging to capture each museum piece. They also provided a tutorial to show people the process. https://research.mootookakiossin.ca/photogrammetry-and-rti/. 

As you navigate through this site you will be amazed with the detail of how they were able to share items authentically. This platform allows everything to be accessible and it provides opportunity for Elders and community members to connect with their past. This digital library makes it equitable for people to visit and reflect on the diverse artifacts. This project is an impressive feat as it is truly a revolutionary resource for classes.

When you are on the homepage be sure to click on the word Explore. This will transport you to a variety of Blackfoot items. The most important aspect of this site is that it shares the stories of each item. This gives each item purpose and it provides individuals with an understanding of the history of the Blackfoot nations. I was able to share this site with an Elder and she started sharing her stories of different artifacts from the site. She stated, “I forgot I even had that in my home growing up.” What a beautiful way for individuals to reflect on their past.

I hope you will take the time to review this valuable resource.

 

Module 1 – Post 2

“Joe Buffalo” | Surviving the Horror of Residential Schools by Skateboarding | The New Yorker

 

I thought this resource was very relevant for this week as we continue to reflect on Truth and Reconciliation Day. Please take the time to watch this short documentary.

This video is truly inspiring. Joe Buffalo shares his story of being removed as a child and being put into a residential school at the age of 11 years old. His siblings, parents, grandparents were all at one point in residential schools.

This short documentary shares the hardships he endured due to  intergenerational trauma and from being taken away from his family and put into a residential school.

I appreciate this documentary as it shows how Joe became successful through skateboarding. In his rise to fame no one knew that he had been to residential school. I feel like his story is a story that isn’t shared often but could be relatable to many students and adults who suffer with trauma. He also expresses how his skateboarding fame came to a halt as he hadn’t dealt with his trauma.

After not skateboarding for years, it was incredible to think how he was able to connect to the land and choose a better path to bring his passion of skateboarding back into his life. His journey has allowed him to be strong and reconnect to his culture. I can’t imagine the impact he has had on other Indigenous youth and skateboarders around the globe. His journey to success wasn’t easy but he is able to show how perseverance and resilience can change your life.

I highly recommend watching this 15 min short documentary to gain another perspective of the impacts of residential schools. Please note there are curses in the video in case you are planning to share this with a classroom.

I would love to hear other people’s reflections on this thought-provoking video.

 

 

 

 

 

Indigenous Storytelling

Module 1 – Post 1

Learning from the land

Perspectives of Indigenous land-based learning and traditional knowledge from across Turtle Island

Learning land-based practices is such an important aspect of understanding and embracing Indigenous knowledge. This video was used from the Canadian Geographic #Explore Canada “Learning from the Land” Story Map resource. This resource was developed with Indigenous educators from across Canada. It is to give teachers the confidence to teach their students about Indigenous topics like seasons and the earth’s cycles.

Explore this Story Map to learn more:

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/95c8dfc9d1584d459e7e6c6f84422673

Story Maps by ArcGIS is a immersive tool that teachers can use to embed video, content, but also connect to location through maps. I am a believe all stories are connected to a location/map and think it’s crucial to use when telling stories from different spaces and places.