Blue jay or k-SHAW-s was my baby name given to me at the naming ceremony for the Bighouse at the outdoor school. The Bighouse while still part of the outdoor school is a separate learning experience for students. Bighouse enriches students’ knowledge of the Squamish First Nations traditional customs and rituals. Students were asked to imagine that they were in the “long ago” when they were participating in activities to help them visualize and retrace some of the First Nations traditions.
One of my favourite experiences about Bighouse was the preparation that was required for meals. Students were put into family groups (fishers/hunters, gatherers, wool makers, and wood makers) and together they were responsible for cooking a portion of the meal. For example, when we had salmon for dinner one group was responsible for the carrots, another for the potatoes and another group was on salmon. We used hot rocks to boil the water and students used bone hammers to create kindling for the fire. 
In First Nations culture, the Elders are served first, therefore after the meal had been prepared the students would serve the Elders (parents). This is a wonderful custom as it is a way to thank the Elders. I loved watching the excitement in the students’ eyes as well as the pride of cooking the meal by themselves! The cooperation and teamwork that was needed by the students was another one of my highlights. The food was amazing and it tasted even better as we had prepared it ourselves. Like most of the children, my favourite food was when we were able to make our own bannock. I now consider myself to be a bannock pro, as I have perfected the amount of time needed to cook the bannock so that it is a golden brown!
My experience at the Bighouse reaffirmed the importance of introducing and sharing different cultures to students. 
In British Columbia (BC) because much of the land is on unceded First Nations territory it is imperative that our students understand the important role that First Nations have played in the history of our province. As one of the Elders said he appreciated everyone who visited Bighouse as it allows his culture to grow. When people learn about different cultures they are able to share that knowledge with others to help educate and inform those around them. It is like a domino effect!
During my practicum I integrated a First Nations Art unit into my teachings. When I do have my own classroom, I will continue to integrate First Nations teachings to bring awareness and educate my students on the culture.
I have learned from both my First Nations course as well as from speaking to First Nations Elders to not be afraid to incorporate First Nations culture. Today there are so many picture books and First Nations resources that teachers can refer to. Teachers can always call on First Nations Elders to speak about issues or areas that they feel that they need more expertise. I participated in several activities during my Bighouse stay such as creating a salmon weir, weaving, bannock making and creating an arrowhead. I loved every moment and I wish that all students were given the opportunity to experience First Nations traditions as it has only made me appreciate the culture more.
I would like to say thank you to the Bighouse and outdoor school for making my three-week stay extremely valuable and memorable!