In this weeks reading, it talked about learning from place and how that can impact education in a positive way. The reading was a research study that focused on Mushkegowuk Cree and their concept of land. Through this reading, I found valuable points and perspectives on the importance of the land and the importance of education pertaining to land.
Throughout the text, it discusses two terms, reinhabitation and decolonization. Reinhabitation is finding ways to learn how to live well in our environments (Restoule, pg. 74). Whereas decolonization is changing our ways of thinking of the world as a place to exploit (Restoule, pg. 74). Both of these terms go hand-in-hand and can be brought back to a larger picture as seeing curriculum as Place.
The idea of taking students outside to see the value in the place we live in is wonderful. There is much reward for educating students on the environment and also on Indigenous worldviews. Through this text I, myself was able to realize the greater significance of even a river. Here is a quote from the text that stood out to me, “As part of the project, youth and Elders travelled together on the traditional waters and lands, exploring history, language, issues of governance, and land management.” (Restoule, pg. 75). Introducing elders and other guest speakers who know the history of the land would be a great addition to any classroom. Giving students the opportunity to explore the land we live on and also paying respect to it through education is a great idea.
It is important for us as educators and for our students to understand and value the connections we have to the earth. I am excited and humbled to continue to grow and learn on this topic so that I can incorporate it into my classroom someday.