Hands Back Hands Forward

Bringing nature into the pedagogy and curriculum of a school is critical for the health of the students and the community as a whole.  There is reciprocity in our relationship with nature. As we nurture, so shall we be nurtured.

One example of bringing nature into the pedagogy and curriculum of a school is through community garden projects that stress regaining food sovereignty and traditional food practices and learning how to nurture nature is one way to “restore a sense of well-being and interconnectedness with the rest of creation” (Waziyatawin, For Indigenous Eyes Only: A Decolonization Handbook, 2005, p. 78).

This video documents an Indigenous community in Peru where the chacras or gardens are at the core of family and community life; the gardens are used in the curriculum and pedagogy of the community school:

Learn More: Resources

• Indigenous Food Systems Network: “The Indigenous Food Systems Network Website was developed by the WGIFS to allow individuals and groups involved with Indigenous food related action, research, and policy reform to network and share relevant resources and information.”
• Start a School Food Garden: This comprehensive resource from the BC government provides practical information for a school garden project including possible community partners, policy information, research and success stories.