Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Indigenous Knowledge Educator Jared Qwustenuxun Williams shares his vision for Indigenous informed school food programs.
Video: Jared Qwustenuxun Williams, Indigenous Cultural Educator.
(Video shown on home page)
Inclusivity
Jared shares insights gained from years of working with elders about the judgments and prejudices surrounding food choices. He emphasizes the beauty and diversity of global cuisines, and stresses the importance of being respectful and open-minded about what others eat.
Video: Jared Qwustenuxun Williams, Indigenous Cultural Educator.
Assembling Wisdom
Community elders are pivotal in transferring traditional knowledge. One example is an elder from Tl’al who imparts the proper techniques for harvesting and cleaning sea asparagus, enriching communal learning and fostering effective alignment with ancestral wisdom.
Video: Kuunaajaad (Jenny Cross), Early Childhood Educator.
Beyond Sustenance
Food is a powerful tool for transmitting ancestral knowledge and connecting with history. Through it, kids learn values like respect, abundance, and generosity, enriching their entire lives.
Video: Cúagilákv (Jess Housty), Co-lead at Right Relations Collaborative.
Breaking Bread
Breaking bread with classmates fosters respect and celebrates cultural foods worldwide. Emphasizing cultural days in schools invites community involvement, connecting all through the universal bond of food.
Video: Andrew George, Chef Instructor and Director of Truth and Reconciliation for SkilledTrades BC.
Coastal Classroom
Amid the pandemic, two grandsons transitioned from formal schooling to learning the traditional ways of living with the land and sea. Their education included harvesting clams, offering thanks to nature, and understanding sustainable practices like seaweed gathering without harming growth.
Video: Kuunaajaad (Jenny Cross), Early Childhood Educator.
Coming Full Circle
Food is integral to identity, connection, and well-being for Indigenous individuals, deeply tied to family, culture, and tradition. As society seeks food origins, Indigenous practices are gaining renewed appreciation.
Video: Cúagilákv (Jess Housty), Co-lead at Right Relations Collaborative and Andrew George, Chef Instructor and Director of Truth and Reconciliation for SkilledTrades BC.
Echoes of Tradition
Traditional foods like Guuding.ngaay sea urchin are not just unfamiliar to children but are a link to heritage when harvested and tasted. These ancestral flavors spark a deep connection to past generations and shared experiences around the family table.
Video: Kuunaajaad (Jenny Cross), Early Childhood Educator.
Edible Schoolyard
This concept transforms schoolyards into gardens of Indigenous plants, bridging fresh food, history, and diverse subjects. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper appreciation for Indigenous foods, inspiring students to make healthier choices.
Video: Andrew George, Chef Instructor and Director of Truth and Reconciliation for SkilledTrades BC.
Food Equity and Affirmation
Food in schools is not just nutrition but a matter of justice, equity, and cultural identity. Affirming these identities fosters a sense of belonging, strengthening community ties.
Video: Cúagilákv (Jess Housty), Co-lead at Right Relations Collaborative.
Harvest Wheel
Depicting seasonal cycles as a visual guide aids with sustainable monthly harvests. Respect for these cycles and the principle of not overharvesting, as shared by ancestral teachings, are emphasized to ensure the longevity of resources for future generations.
Video: Kuunaajaad (Jenny Cross), Early Childhood Educator.
Indigenous Food in Classrooms
While introducing Indigenous foods in schools has challenges, the benefits, like fostering Indigenous pride and representation, are profound. It’s a vital gesture of inclusion and empowerment.
Video: Cúagilákv (Jess Housty), Co-lead at Right Relations Collaborative.
Nourishing Body and Soul
Eating ancestral foods nurtures my body, echoing my lineage and roots. Sharing these foods with kids imparts wellness and fosters community, celebrating unity through tradition.
Video: Cúagilákv (Jess Housty), Co-lead at Right Relations Collaborative.
Growing Generations
When children eat well, they can function well and have greater opportunities to learn. Including traditional foods from the First Nation, Métis or Inuit communities in your area, can support these opportunities, especially when all kids are brought together to feed.
Video: Attendees of the Métis Nation BC Conference 2023.
Land Lessons
Understanding the origins and seasonal rhythms of food is a crucial lesson in sustainability and environmental stewardship. It instills a deep respect for nature and the cycles of life, echoing the ancestral wisdom that has long guided sustainable practices.
Video: Attendees of the Métis Nation BC Conference 2023.
Nourishing Roots
Integrating traditional foods from different cultures, including First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, into school curriculums nourishes more than the body; it feeds the soul and connects students to their roots. Such initiatives not only preserve culinary heritage but also instill a sense of pride and belonging. We would like to respectfully acknowledge that not everyone celebrates the holidays mentioned in this video.
Video: Attendees of the Métis Nation BC Conference 2023.
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