Tag Archives: learning

MODULE 3 – ENTRY 1: The Indigenization of an Elementary School through Horticulture

This link, https://www.vsb.bc.ca/schools/grandview/Teaching-and-Learning/Programs/Pages/Community-Garden.aspx, shows a continuation of my final assignment.  It is related to some of my previous blogs in Module 1.  I am focusing on how the Indigenization of educational institutions are beginning to exist and make positive differences.  The ?Uuqinak’uuh/Grandview Community Garden project was created to improve the quality of life for the children in our neighbourhood. “It functions as a living laboratory and a model of an urban ecological school yard. This is a multi-generational place for children and people of all ages in the community to learn to live more sustainably in the urban environment.” Ultimately, their mission is to continue to create a healthier, positive neighbourhood environment to improve the community as a whole, which in turn will significantly influence the educational, socio-economical, emotional, psychological and economical well-being of the Indigenous peoples.

This link,  https://thinkeatgreen.ca/2012/06/27/grandviewuuqinakuuh-elementary-sets-a-high-benchmark/, shows how to nurture the next generation of young gardeners, while sharing stories of historical nature in regards to land, people and community.  It ironically, is where I grew up and how I see the massive amounts of beautiful transformations of the land and the people that live, grow, learn and teach there.

This link, https://www.cityfarmer.org/grandview.html, shows how the local Grandview Community Schoolyard project has converted an underused school field to improve the quality of life for children and other community members in an inner city neighbourhood. It literally is a living laboratory of an urban ecological school yard. This has become a multi-generational place for children and people of all ages in the community to learn to live more sustainably in the urban environment.  Ultimately, the mission here was to create a more healthy, positive neighbourhood environment and improve the livability of the community as a whole.

               Public Domain photo by Royalty-Free Photo

References:

Abangsund. (June 27, 2012). Grandview/¿uuqinak’uuh Elementary sets a high benchmark. [Site]. Retrieved June 17, 2021, https://thinkeatgreen.ca/2012/06/27/grandviewuuqinakuuh-elementary-sets-a-high-benchmark/

 

Grandview/?Uuqinak’uuh Elementary School, VSB. (March 5, 2019). Teaching and Learning-Community Garden. [Site]. Retrieved June 17, 2021, https://www.vsb.bc.ca/schools/grandview/Teaching-and Learning/Programs/Pages/Community-Garden.aspx

 

Penner, Tracy and City Farmer, Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture. (January 25, 2000). Grandview U’uqinak’uuh Community School Yard. [Site]. Retrieved June 17, 2021, http://www.cityfarmer.org/grandview.html

 

 

 

Module 1 Post 5 – start by learning the truth

As I research the Indigenous culture, I have noticed a common theme: it is important for Canadians to learn about Indigenous history and come to know the truth about colonization. As a child, I recall learning about Indigenous history in school. Their unique way of life seemed attractive and interesting. I don’t remember learning anything about the darker part of Canadian history. It’s possible I didn’t learn about this darker side because it was still taking place when I was young. I was just starting high school when the last residential school was closing its doors for the last time. I recognize the need to learn the complete history of our country, including the truth about the way Indigenous people were treated, and the pain and suffering it has caused them.

What do you currently know about Indigenous history? I have a hard time recognizing how I can make a difference until I understand the truth. I want to be open minded and remember that learning will always be ongoing. The following sources were helpful for me, but I know it’s just a start.

Neylan, S. (2018). Canada’s dark side: Indigenous peoples and Canada’s 150th celebration. Origins, 11(9), 1-2. https://origins.osu.edu/article/canada-s-dark-side-indigenous-peoples-and-canada-s-150th-celebration/page/0/1

Canada Guide (n.d.). The Indigenous peoples of Canada. Chapter 7. https://thecanadaguide.com/basics/aboriginals/

Al Jazeera English. (2017 June, 13). Canada’s dark secret. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peLd_jtMdrc