New Land-based Learning Team is Formed
As part of the Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) commitment to upholding Indigenous inherent rights, the Indigenous Education Department has expanded to include a Land-based Learning Team. This team works closely with the Outdoor Education and Indigenous Education departments as well as Indigenous community members to provide land-based learning opportunities for students at DDSB Outdoor Centres and on school grounds. The student-centred approach to these programs allows students to foster connections with nature, carry out our collective Treaty responsibilities for the land, and spend time getting to know one another.
In partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, and Elders from the Williams Treaties First Nations, a beautiful ceremony was held this past June rebuilding the tipi together and renewing our commitment to honouring the inherent rights of the Indigenous students and families we serve, and providing meaningful Indigenous Education for all students and staff in the DDSB. The new Land-based Learning team is part of that commitment. They consult with Treaty Partners to support Land-based learning opportunities for Indigenous Student groups, classes from the elementary and secondary panels across the curriculum, as well as professional development opportunities for educators.
Watershed Festivals
In early May, the Outdoor Environmental Education (OEE) Department hosted elementary and secondary students for our annual Watershed Festival and Watershed Challenge. Students from 26 elementary schools and 8 secondary schools visited Duffins Creek Environmental Centre for two days of outdoor activity, learning, and friendly competition.
Elementary students visited a wide variety of stations learning about salmon restoration, aquatic species identification, monarch butterflies, habitat restoration, outdoor skills such as knot tying and fire building, and cooperative team-building activities. Presenters from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) Indigenous Education Department, Ontario Parks, Durham Master Gardeners, Durham Waste Management, Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters, and Durham Water Management set up interactive displays to engage students in environmental stewardship. J. Clarke Richardson C.V.I. and Pickering High School brought student volunteers to help out and run booths of their own creation.
The Watershed Challenge provided an opportunity for high school students to represent their schools and compete in a multi-activity race. Competitors completed challenges in cooperative problem solving, bird and tree identification, fire starting, archery, knot tying, and navigation. The team from Uxbridge Secondary School came out on top, successfully defending their title from last year.