National Indigenous History Month 2022: Building a Traditional Ojibwe Wiigiwaam
LEF has been quietly embarking on a very special journey over the past few years.
In mid-December 2020 we developed a friendship and partnership with Gokoomis (Grandmother) Jacqueline Lavallée and her Oshkaabewis (Helper) Dr. Hopi Martin. For Children & Families, this has enabled us to deepen our emphasis on outdoor play. Hopi has been working closely with some C&F team members to facilitate the implementation of a Seasonal Pedagogy that comes from a Traditional Ojibwe perspective. This approach has incredible application to children and families of all Nations and Peoples.
We encourage you to learn more about this Seasonal Pedagogy on the Edge of the Bush website: https://edgeofthebush.ca/a-seasonal-pedagogy/
Seasonal Pedagogy by Dr. Hopi Martin, 2021 |
The Seasonal Pedagogy connects with the Four Seasonal Ceremonies seen in the diagram above. This comes from a ‘Memory Teaching Bundle’ which forms the basis for a 13-pole design for a Traditional Ojibwe Wiigiwaam.
Building a Traditional Ojibwe 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. We had many staff, parents, children and community members join us for the occasion, allowing us to come together and learn about the traditions and ways of knowing of Indigenous People. If you are interested in learning more about the Wiigiwaam (Traditional Bush Home), please visit: https://edgeofthebush.ca/the-wiigiwaam-ojibwe-bush-home/
Photo to the right: Cloth in the colours of the Four Directions (Yellow, Red, Black, and White) is tied to the Wiigiwaam. There are many Teachings within the Wiigiwaam and we remain grateful for the Knowledge that was shared throughout the day.
LEF Community Members building the Wiigiwaam together at Silverthorn Early Learning Earth Center.
Dr. Hopi Martin leading the group in building the Wiigiwaam. |
A child and father from Silverthorn Early Learning Earth Centre help as we prepare to plant the poles for the Wiigiwaam. |
Learning the traditions and ways of knowing of Indigenous people is long overdue. It is the cornerstone of the commitment made by the Canadian Government through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. For more information about Dr. Hopi Martin and his Traditional Ojibwe approach to early childhood education, please visit: www.edgeofthebush.ca.
LEF is grateful for our relationship with Dr. Hopi Martin and the opportunity to continue this necessary work.
The completed Wiigiwaam. |