SEEING
Place-based Learning:
Our Ik ka nutsi Experience
Ik ka nutsi - to shine; to be bright/ full of life (Blackfoot phrase)
Learning Journey
The intention of this website is to share our journey and learning. We hope that sharing our story can serve as a tool for educators who are interested in further building their knowledge and skills in the area of respectfully incorporating Indigenous cultural and language opportunities and connections for students in a variety of educational environments.
Land Acknowledgment
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that we live, work, play, and grow on the traditional Treaty 7 territory of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We also acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. We acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who help us steward this land and honour, protect, and celebrate this beautiful territory.
Program Overview
The Ik ka nutsi Park Program took flight in the 2019-2020 school year. This partnership provides Grade 5 and 6 students from Carseland Elementary School with the opportunity to visit Wyndham- Carseland Provincial Park on a regular basis.
A foundational aspect of this program has been to connect with Elders and cultural liaisons from Siksika Nation. The Elders and cultural lissions share Blackfoot culture, language, and Indigenous ways of knowing with the students.
The students have been learning Blackfoot words and stories as they relate to nature and their experience at the park. Learning in a meaningful context helps students to learn and retain these Blackfoot words and phrases and use them on a regular basis.
The students develop a connection and relationship to the land (gaining stewardship and ecological literacy skills). Students also gain a variety of health benefits from this program including:
-active living and physical fitness
-cultivating positive social relationships (collaboration, problem-solving and play)
-increasing self-confidence and resilience
