Nineteen high school students from Swan Hills School, Barrhead Composite High School, Barrhead Outreach School, Westlock Outreach School, and R.F. Staples Secondary School spent three days learning on the land at Métis Crossing near Smoky Lake.
Students had the opportunity to learn from Elders and Knowledge Holders about traditional medicines, fish filleting and fish scale art, trapping and trapper's tents, Métis music and dance, and oral storytelling. Staying warm in the trappers' tents proved to be challenging, but will be an experience not soon forgotten.
Overarching themes of responsibility, reciprocity, and relationship were explored throughout this unique division-wide experience. Students were able to demonstrate their learning and knowing (kishkayhta) and earn high school credits.
This event would not have been possible without the joint partnership between PHSD and Rupertsland Institute, as well as the many educators who were involved in the planning, preparation, and supervision at camp. This is just the beginning! We look forward to expanding land-based education in our division throughout the coming school year.
