Land Based Education support documents used at Peguis Central School.

Peguis Central Land Based Education document provides vital connections to the land and its teachings

By James Wastasecoot

Peguis Central School is making strides in innovative education with the development of a new land-based support documents for Grade 11, building on the success of the previous year’s Grade 10 program. Spearheaded by curriculum developer Linda Stevenson, this initiative aims to deepen students’ connection to their cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

Curriculum used at Peguis Central.

In 2018-2019, Stevenson created a comprehensive Grade 10 land-based education document, which received approval from the Manitoba Department of Education. This curriculum covers various aspects of traditional knowledge and practices, emphasizing the importance of the land and its ecosystems. It has been integrated successfully into the school’s programs, receiving positive feedback from students and educators alike.

Currently, Stevenson is in the process of completing the Grade 11 document. “It’s important that our students know their history and their connection to the land,” Stevenson said. “They learn from the land, the animals, and they learn how important caring for the earth is.”

The philosophy of the program is included in the guide: “Learning from the land develops students’ self-awareness and pride of who they are. They connect and gain understanding of Peguis First Nation traditional way of life to reclaim their culture, language and heritage.”

Bernie McCorrister, Land-based teacher, and students pull net in at School Camp.

This curriculum is not just about reading and writing; it’s about engaging with the environment directly. Students participate in outdoor activities that teach survival skills, plant identification, sustainable practices, and the historical significance of local landscapes. This hands-on approach helps students understand the practical implications of environmental care and the historical context of their community.

Stevenson’s work is part of a broader movement towards incorporating Indigenous knowledge and practices into educational systems, reflecting a growing recognition of their value in contemporary schooling. The document also aligns with broader educational goals set by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Indigenous Services Canada to integrate more culturally relevant teachings into school programs.

As the Grade 11 document nears completion, Peguis Central School looks forward to another year of enriched learning experiences. Stevenson and her team are dedicated to providing a document that not only meets educational standards but also fosters a deep respect and understanding for the land that sustains and defines the Peguis First Nation community.

Bernie McCorrister, Land Based teacher for all grades, echoes her views that being on the land grounds the youth in their culture and teachings. “It helps youth find their ways, their identity and spirituality. For me, I feel good to see that spark in their eyes when they experience or encounter a new animal, plant or tree.” McCorrister regularly takes students on field trips for land Based activities at the school camp on Lake Winnipeg north of Peguis.

A grade 12 guide remains to be researched and developed. Stevenson is aligning the document to support student higher learning. “They will delve into a deeper understanding of how our relationship and connection with the land meets all our needs. The goal is to foster an understanding of who they are by reclaiming our original way of life.”