Partnership Enhances Student Learning
Posted on 11/10/2022
The Lesser Slave Forest Education Society (LSFES) is an organization committed to forest-focused environmental education. For over ten years, they have provided curriculum-related programming through interactive field trips and classroom presentations to schools throughout the High Prairie School Division.
Three years ago, the LSFES reached out to HPSD's Indigenous Education Team because they wanted to incorporate an Indigenous perspective into their programming. Since then, this team has sought out local Elders and Knowledge Keepers who carry knowledge connected to each specific teaching (e.g., animal life cycles, wetlands, insects, rocks and minerals, trees and forests, etc.). Together, they co-facilitate with LSFES staff to bring students both a scientific/ western worldview and an Indigenous worldview.
Last week students from Joussard School learned about trees and forests with Boreal Educator Laura Brandon, Boreal Interpreter Danika Wack, and Elder George Chalifoux. Mr. Chalifoux brings a particularly unique perspective to students as he worked in the forestry field for over thirty years before becoming a wildlife ranger and finally retiring. His childhood was steeped in rich traditional Indigenous teachings gained from his grandparents, and this knowledge has enhanced the way he sees forests and animals. Mr. Chalifoux's recently published short story, “Walking in Both Worlds,” shares these teachings and how they contributed to an abundant life nuanced by the wisdom of previous generations.