DSBN Students Explore Indigenous Ways of Knowing Nature

On May 9 and 10, DSBN secondary students will be learning how to become better stewards of the land at the Chippawa Creek Conservation Area. Students from Grade 11 Environmental Science Classes will be studying issues related to water quality at the conservation area. Students will approach this learning from both western and Indigenous perspectives.

DSBN Secondary Curriculum Consultant Marni MacDonald says the day will be divided into two parts. In one session, students will be working with technicians from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to analyze the water and examine human impact on water quality.

The other module will be led by Nancy Rowe, a Mississauga Ojibwe of the Anishinaabek Nation, will introduce students to Indigenous ways of knowing nature. Nancy works to provide educational opportunities for all peoples interested in Indigenous perspectives of life, health, education, history and the environment. On her website, Nancy writes “Education is the doorway through which we all can create a common ground and understanding of not only Indigenous Peoples but also, and more importantly, our environment.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity to discover bridges between cultures and to explore what can be learned through Indigenous ways of knowing,” says Erica Zombolas, DSBN Indigenous Education Consultant.

Over 80 students from six secondary schools will participate in this week’s sessions. Students from Eastdale, Welland Centennial, and Port Colborne High School will take part in Thursday’s session. Students from St. Catharines Collegiate, Stamford Collegiate, and Westlane will take part in the Friday session.

Event Details

Dates: Thursday, May 9, Friday, May 10

Time: 9:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Chippawa Creek Conservation Area, 84646 Regional Road, Wellandport, ON