UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Bridgewood PS Students Plant Seeds of Indigenous Partnerships

Students from Bridgewood Public School's Grade 4/5 and Power Up Program classes recently took part in a special day of hands-on learning and cultural connection at the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre.

Inspired by Orange Shirt Day and a growing interest in Indigenous culture, the students have been exploring Indigenous teachings throughout the school year in a variety of subjects, including lessons on Three Sisters teachings, how to write a Thanksgiving address, and the significance of sacred plants to Indigenous cultures.

After an inspiring visit from Ryan Jacobs, the Upper Canada District School Board's (UCDSB) Indigenous learning partner, the classes took their learning a step further by forming meaningful partnerships with a Grade 1/2 class from the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education (AMBE), the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) Environment Program, and OPG.

On June 3, these new partners came together to plant a traditional Three Sisters Garden a sacred agricultural practice featuring corn, beans, and squash and to take part in a variety of cultural teachings as part of National Indigenous History Month.

Throughout the day, students engaged in a variety of rich educational experiences. Educators from AMBE led teachings and hands-on planting in the Three Sisters Garden, while representatives from the MCA Environment Program shared knowledge about traditional medicine gardens and the use of drying sheds. Staff from the Native North American Travelling College guided students through teachings about Mother Earth and the Great Tree of Peace, and OPG Visitor Centre staff presented the story and meaning behind the John Thomas "Kaniatares" Long River mural featured at the site.

"Today is all about education and awareness and building on these community partnerships so that this, hopefully, becomes an annual thing within the community," explained Bridgewood Grade 4/5 teacher Crystal Seguin. "We really want to promote indigenous education for the students, and this is an amazing way to do that."

"I'm happy to be here today," added student Amelia Rummens. "I'm looking forward to learning a lot more about the Three Sisters, and to garden because it's quite fun."

"This is truth and reconciliation at its finest because it's other cultures, besides the Haudenosaunee, learning about the Three Sisters and hearing about the stories in our oral history and actually planting," said UCDSB Indigenous Education Learning Partner Ryan Jacobs. "I think it's a great opportunity for everyone."

Following the event, students returned to Bridgewood PS with a deeper understanding and renewed excitement to continue caring for the Three Sisters Garden they had already begun at the school bringing the teachings they learned to life and continuing their journey of learning and reconciliation.

Click here to see photos of the event.