A group of people are standing inside an open wiigiwaam (no cover). There are white, yellow, and red pieces of cloth hanging from the sides of the wiigiwaam.

Our Journey Towards Truth and Reconciliation

LEF’s first priority is a commitment to a journey of learning from and with Indigenous Peoples which fosters genuine understanding and meaningful action.

A large tipee structure and people next to it.

Birth

The Beginning of our Journey

Initially, this journey began in our Children & Families department and can be most recognized through our work with Dr. Hopi Martin Waabizheshi Oshkaabewis (Ojibwe Marten Clan Sacred Helper), guided by Dr. Gokoomis (Grandmother) Jacque(line) Lavallée Ed.D and her family’s traditional practices from the Eastern Shore of Georgian Bay. This work has included the implementation of a Seasonal Pedagogy (Birth, Movement, Relationships, Passing) that came out of Dr. Hopi Martin’s research with Dr. Gokoomis (Grandmother) Jacque called Listening to Land as Teacher in Early Childhood Education (2021) where this Ojibwe, land-based pedagogy was found to be an ethical way for all Peoples/Nations to ethically engage with Traditional Ojibwe Knowledge with children.

Two men are standing on either side of a ladder tying cedar branches to the arch of a wiigiwaam.

Movement

An LEF-wide Journey

We soon realized the many synergies between these Ojibwe Teachings and our own organizational culture and priorities. It was clear this work could not exist only in the Children & Families department but must extend across the organization. Each department and individual is at their own place in this process with an understanding that the path and destination may not always be clear. There is a necessity for open and honest dialogue for this to work; that is not always easy to do in work settings, where colonial structures of hierarchical power are historically prevalent. This is hard work, and we are grateful for both the courage and willingness to be vulnerable that has brought each of us here.

Relationships

Working and Walking Together

It has often been said that LEF is about relationships, and as we began to learn what it means to walk with First Nations, we recognized that the focus on relationships and coming from a place of kindness are elements that not only reflected our own work, but just felt right. That is not to say this has been an easy path. It has, and continues to be, a complex learning experience for all of us.

Passing

Introducing the Seasonal Pedagogy into our work

Coming into deeper relationships with the Land comes with well documented benefits, including improved mental and physical health. With guidance from Dr Hopi Martin and Dr Gokoomis Jacqueline Lavallee, we initially began introducing the Seasonal Pedagogy at some of our child care centres. This work has extended across the organization to Sharing Circles, Ceremonies, and Family Teaching Circles for LEF and the community. The simple protocol of sharing who we are, where we are from, and what we are grateful for when introducing ourselves quickly became a powerful Teaching for all of us and has been introduced to varying degrees across the organization.

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Experiences on our Journey

Learn more about our journey by reading about our experiences and learnings, or join us for upcoming events.

Child care

Nurturing Relationships with the Land through Ceremony and Play

Nurturing Relationships with the Land through Ceremony and Play – February 9-12, 2024

February 23, 2024

Article in the The Weekender

Read an article in the Temiskaming Speaker about The Keepers of the Circle, including some LEF staff.

https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1019905/x/3a08de5123/article-only-weekender05-03-24.pdf

A tree that has yellow and red cloth hanging from its branches.

Building a Traditional Wiigiwaam

On Saturday, May 14th, we were delighted to have Dr. Hopi Martin lead us in the creation of a traditional Wiigiwaam onsite at Silverthorn Early Learning Earth Centre.

https://lefca.org/news/building-a-traditional-ojibwe-wiigiwaam

A group of young people standing in front of a wiigiwaam (large tent) waving at the camera

LEF Youth Summer Activities

In summer 2023, our youth program participants went on bike rides along the Humber River and learned about Indigenous traditions.

https://lefca.org/news/lef-youth-summer-activities

A group of people standing in front of a big sign that says "Panama City 2023"

World Forum 2023: Panama

This year, The Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF) had the opportunity to attend the World Forum Conference hosted in Panama City, Panama.

https://lefca.org/news/learning-connecting-sharing-world-forum-2023

A group of people organizing the items they have found from the ground. They are putting them into a basket. In the background there is a pile of musical shakers.

Learning from Land as Teacher

On Saturday, June 3, our Children and Families team hosted a professional learning event at one of our child care centres.

https://lefca.org/news/learning-from-land-as-teacher

A man is standing close to the camera taking a selfie. In the background there are a lot of children's bikes and a man holding one and smiling

Kirkland Lake and Temiskaming

Childrens' Bike Giveaway

In 2023, the Air Canada Foundation raised enough money for 150 children’s bicycles and helmets to be given away to families in the LEF community. LEF purchased the bikes and coordinated the giveaway. 22 of these bikes were taken by Dr. Hopi to the Keepers of the Circle in Kirkland Lake and Temiskaming.

Relationships

Resources to learn more about our journey

We are grateful to our Indigenous partners, leaders, and community for guiding our journey.

Edge of the Bush
We are privileged to have guidance from Dr. Hopi Martin and Edge of the Bush.
https://edgeofthebush.ca/
AECEO Program Profile
Our journey is highlighted by the AECEO.
https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1019905/x/30168ccff5/aeceo-program_profile_2_lef.pdf
AECEO Webinar Series and Conference
LEF participated in the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario Listening to Land as Teacher Sharing Circle.
https://lefca.org/news/aeceo-conference-sharing-our-knowledge

Land Acknowledgement

LEF Toronto respectfully acknowledges that our office is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.