https://www.createtolearn.ca/

This website Create to Learn is a stunning representation of how the maker mindset is infused in Indigenous cultures. It displays numerous artistic and holistic practices. I appreciate this site as it shares an abundance of resources that can be used in education.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0578867311/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=0578867311&linkCode=as2&tag=reference03c-20&linkId=cb76f8ead885da7545744973db1c03bd

The Create to Learn book was previously handed out through TakingITGlobal. Here is the description of the book that you can purchase on Amazon:

“TakingITGlobal’s Create to Learn program has collaborated with more than 50 First Nations, Métis and Inuit creatives to support digital skill-building and traditional knowledge for young people. Our online connection of hundreds of free training videos has attracted more than 100,000 views, and this print resource brings some of these diverse tutorials to life on paper! From digital skills like podcasting, videography, and making music to cultural teachings such as moccasin making and fish skin tanning – this collection of lessons will boost your knowledge in a variety of areas.”

This book was created with the voices of Indigenous Peoples. It has valuable insight that provides educators with the confidence to lead and teach the lessons shared in this book. Throughout this class however we have read so many articles about authentic voices and ensuring that the stories are allowed to be shared. I wonder if the lessons shared here are okay to share or if they would be better shared by bringing in Elders or Knowledge Keepers.  In my summer course whenever we use hide to make medicine pouches or mini moccasins we always invite an Indigenous Elder or Knowledge Keeper to share their stories or experiences.  It feels more respectful and authentic to have their voices shared. I find this has been something I continue to reflect about. Inviting people into our classrooms needs to be thoughtful and done with proper protocols as mentioned in the resource from the Alberta Teachers Association called Stepping Stones. https://legacy.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/For%20Members/ProfessionalDevelopment/Walking%20Together/PD-WT-16g%20-%20Elder%20Protocol.pdf 

When I find valuable resources like Create to Learn I want to ensure I consider the purpose of the resource and that I use it thoughtfully.

IndigeSTEAM

This program is an Indigenous led program that is culturally significant to Indigenous Youth. It uses the http://www.integrativescience.ca/Principles/TwoEyedSeeing/ principles to guide STEAM practice. It’s an organization that is providing an inclusive environment around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Agriculture and Mathematics).

There focus looks at three different ways to engage youth. These are: Power to Choose, Pathways for Choice, and Partnership with the Community. When exploring this resource it makes me wonder what aspects could we integrate into a MAKERspace? Is this culturally relevant for settlers to use these projects to engage other students. I think everyone would need to be mindful of what should be shared with other students.

I think schools could use many of the same philosophies of providing choice, helping Indigenous youth or other cultures share their expertise in disciplines or projects that may not exist in regular school subjects and inviting community members such as Elders to provide their voice and knowledge to a project.

When we consider STEAM I think it is important to recognize the materials we use are land-based and that innovative ideas have been used by Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years.

If you are looking to more learn visit https://www.indigesteam.ca/ 

https://pinnguaq.com/learn/

This organization is in Northern Canada. There mission, “is to work alongside rural, remote, Indigenous and other communities, to support the development of STEAM skills through innovative technology, art and play.” This interactive website provides maker activities to engage students and teachers in traditional knowledge. I found this to be a valuable resource as it gives teachers the confidence and time to use STEAM lessons that focus on Indigenous content. These resources are designed and built with community members to ensure their are authentic voices for the lessons that are shared.

Within, their site is information about makerspaces, lessons, podcasts, and additional resources. Makerspaces is a key element of “Pinnguaq” it allows all students to engage and to participate. It has multiple entry points to allow every student to interact within the space and activities involved. Coding, robotics, AI, VR, AR, digital storytelling, textiles are just some of the lessons that are mentioned throughout the site.

Another aspect that makes this an informative resource is because it has a magazine & Newsletter called, “Roots and Stem.” It’s a free subscription. This gives you additional lessons, content, and meaningful resources for STEM education.

Root & STEM

On their site I was able to try their firefly micro:bit challenge where it focused on biomimicry and how the micro:bit can interact like nature. This was a great lesson as it connects to the land but also teaches coding skills.  Other lessons you could immerse yourself into is the AR Wilfred Buck lesson. This is a digitally enhanced lesson shares stories of the sky from Wilfrid Buck. Check out other samples of STEAM lessons in the Fall Root and Stem  newsletter:

https://pinnguaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/root-stem-fall-2021-digital-final.pdf