Cowessess Community Education Centre’s students are taking part in a land-based learning program.
Andrew Starblanket teaches at the school and started the program.
The school began using the curriculum during this school year.
“There’s roughly about 20 activities that I have,” Starblanket said. “A lot of it is oral and hands-on. That’s what the students really like about it. There’s a lot of things that could be put in and then there’s a lot of things that could be taken out.”
The students often take part in the land-based activities outside of school hours.
The activities include picking sage, storytelling and participating in sweat lodge ceremonies.
Every student at Cowessess Community Education Centre has the opportunity to participate in the program.
“It offers them so much,” Starblanket added. “They’re excited. They want to learn. The parents are so supportive. The community is so supportive of this program.”
The school plans to use the curriculum for years to come.
“I wrote everything down with the curriculum,” Starblanket said. “I’m trying to think of the longevity of the program. This is a test run. There’s a lot of trial and error.”
(PHOTO: Andrew Starblanket teaching students at Cowessess Community Education Centre. Photo courtesy of Andrew Starblanket.)