As my EC&I 831 journey ends, I will attempt to start to unpack all that I’ve learned, grown into, and stretched outside my comfort zone. This course has been more than just weekly class posts and creating a tailored personal learning journey through blog posts — it’s been a transformative experience that has reshaped how I think about digital spaces, open learning, and my role as an educator in an increasingly connected world.
To showcase everything I’ve taken away from this course, I created a Powtoon video that highlights five key takeaways that stood out most to me:
🎓 1. The Power of Open Education I discovered that open education is about more than just free resources — it’s about sharing, remixing, and collaborating to make learning accessible and mostly equitable for all.
🔗 2. Building a PLN (Professional Learning Network) I learned how social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter/X and educational blogs can be powerful tools for building community, exchanging ideas, and growing as a professional.
🧠 3. Digital Identity Matters This course helped me realize the importance of being intentional with how I show up online — what I post, how I interact, and what that says about me as an educator.
📱 4. Critical Engagement with Technology I’ve started thinking more deeply about the “why” behind the tech we use, asking questions about algorithms, surveillance, digital equity, and how technology shapes our world. Constantly asking myself, Is what I put out into the world someone I can be proud of?
🎤 5. The Courage to Create & Share Finally, one of the biggest shifts for me was gaining the confidence to share my voice. Whether through blogging, tiktoking, or creating this final video, I’ve grown more comfortable putting myself out there. Although Katia said it a lot better in her blog post from 2015, I too am fully am aware of the privilege I possess, and as such, “have a responsibility to use my privilege to speak out and use my network for more than just my own benefit or self-promotion; not doing so is a selfish act.” (Katia Hildebrand, 2015)
This video is a reflection of everything I’ve experienced in EC&I 831, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I hope it inspires others to embrace open sharing, critical thinking, and the power of connection in this developing digital world.
👉 Check out my Summary of Learning video, and thanks for being part of the journey!
Honouring Storytelling, Relationships, and Growth: My Teaching Philosophy Rooted in First Nations ways of knowing and Literacy
I believe teaching is more than the transmission of knowledge—it is an act of relationship-building, nurturing curiosity, honouring the voices of our learners and building teacher’s knowledge base in literacy. As a First Nations educator and literacy consultant, my teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the traditions of my people, where learning happens through storytelling, shared experiences, and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all things, as well as promoting the excellence of teachers.
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Storytelling as a Foundation for Learning
In First Nations cultures, storytelling has always been a powerful way to pass down knowledge, history, and values. Stories are not just entertainment; they are lessons woven with wisdom, offering guidance on how to live, how to relate to others, and how to understand the world. In my teaching, I integrate storytelling as a tool to help students connect with content on a personal and cultural level. Whether through oral narratives, picture books, or student-created stories, literacy becomes an avenue for self-expression and identity formation.
Literacy as a Path to Empowerment for Lifelong Learning
Literacy is more than the ability to read and write—it is the key to critical thinking, self-determination, and lifelong learning. In my role as a literacy consultant, I advocate for culturally responsive teaching practices that honour Indigenous (FNMI) perspectives, languages, and literacies. This means ensuring that Indigenous students see themselves reflected in the texts they read, the stories they hear, and the learning experiences they engage in. It also means aligning our teaching practices to meet the needs of our Indigenous learners first and foremost through understanding how the brain learns to read. (Science of Reading)
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It also means recognizing that literacy goes beyond conventional definitions; it includes the ability to interpret symbols, oral traditions, land-based knowledge, and digital literacies. My goal is to foster a love of literacy that extends beyond the classroom and empowers students to use their voices in meaningful ways.
Relationships and Holistic Growth
One of the core values in First Nations education is the belief that learning is relational. We do not learn in isolation; we learn through our connections to others—our families, our communities, and our ancestors. In my teaching, I prioritize building strong, respectful relationships with students, colleagues, and families. By fostering a sense of belonging, I create learning environments where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to take risks in their learning. Through risk-taking and failure, that is where the learning occurs, their ability to get up and try again is what I wish for all the students I work with. My role as a literacy consultant means being a constant cheerleader to the students I work with.
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Holistic education means nurturing not just the mind, but the heart, body, and spirit. I strive to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into my practice, whether through land-based learning, experiential education, or social-emotional teaching strategies that recognize the whole learner.
Moving Forward: Decolonizing Education
Education has historically been a tool of colonization, but it also has the power to be a tool of resistance and healing. As an educator, I am committed to decolonizing literacy by centring Indigenous voices, challenging dominant narratives, and advocating for policies that support Indigenous students and educators. I believe that by embedding Indigenous perspectives into teaching and learning, we can create an educational system that honours the knowledge, resilience, and contributions of First Nations peoples.
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Conclusion
My teaching philosophy is a reflection of my identity as a First Nations educator and literacy advocate. It is rooted in storytelling, in the power of literacy, in the strength of relationships, and a vision for a more inclusive and just education system. By weaving together Indigenous traditions and contemporary literacy practices, I strive to create learning spaces where all students feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.
My overall goal for any First Nation students I work with is for them to be able to walk in two worlds or “walk on both sides of the river”. I want to leave this video here for anyone to watch. It emphasizes the idea that “walking in two worlds” is possible but requires a lot of balancing and code-switching between their First Nation culture as well as the non-indigenous world where they also need to thrive.
Take a watch, and leave a comment below on what are you doing for reconciliation within your classroom. Are you allowing your FNMI students to thrive and “walk in two worlds”?
I’m not sure if you have lived until you have tried a Sourdough Chocolate Chip cookie! These bring me so much joy it’s not even funny. What has turned into a nightmare of a week with one thing happening after the next each day, these cookies are the sunshine in the shadows, the wind beneath my winds, the light at the end of the tunnel, and all the idioms you can think of!!
Where they perfect, heck no! But do they taste so good my granny would be so dang proud? YEP!
Am I being a tad dramatic? Also YEP!
But whats wrong with a little drama? We could all use a little drama in our lives I think! This little recipe from Little Spoon Farms is NEXT level. If you know someone with a little sourdough discard they don’t need and 2 pounds of chocolate chips you are set! (Okay, I’m being a bit dramatic about the number of chocolate chips, but seriously, it is a lot!) Each bite has numerous chocolate chips in it. If you are trying to cut sugar in your diet, step away now, these little puppies of utter goodness are not for you.
Where do I begin?
Let me set the scene: It’s a dark and stormy night (okay, fine, it was Sunday afternoon, and I was out of coffee, which is basically the same thing). I stood in my kitchen, staring down at my bubbling, ever-mischievous sourdough starter, Dough-na-tella. This would be my first time using Dough-na-tella’s discard in a recipe. She gurgled ominously. I had one goal—one mission if you will—to create the most glorious sourdough chocolate chip cookies ever known to humankind. (queue the dramatic music)
What followed was a rollercoaster of emotions, a battle of science and willpower, and a valuable set of learning moments. Buckle up, folks.
Lesson 1: Anything baked with Love always turns out, most of the time
I had my daughter helping me throughout this whole process, and let me tell ya I think that is why these turned out! I will purposely leave these videos unedited so you can hear her little voice in them. My little Sioux chef was my #1 trick!
Lesson 2: Sourdough Adds Complexity (and Maybe a Little Chaos)
When people say sourdough adds depth to baked goods, they aren’t lying. But what they fail to mention is that it also adds an element of mystery—will the cookies be chewy? Crispy? Slightly tangy? Will they rise majestically or spread into sad little puddles of despair? The answer: all of the above, depending on how much starter you use and whether or not the baking gods are in a good mood. I’m here to tell you the baking gods smiled down upon me on that glorious sunday afternoon.
Lesson 3: Cold Butter and Crumbly Dough—Trust the Process
The recipe called for cold, cubed butter to be mixed in with a stand mixer until the dough became crumbly. But who needs a mixer when you have hands? I channelled my inner pioneer woman, working the butter into the sugar mixture manually until I achieved the same perfectly crumbly texture. Sure, my hands were cold, and I briefly questioned my life choices, but the results? Worth it. Lesson learned: sometimes, tradition beats technology.
Lesson 4: The 2-Hour Wait is Cruel and Unusual Punishment
The best sourdough chocolate chip cookies require patience. Refrigerating the dough anywhere from 2 hours to 24 hours helps develop the flavours and gives the cookies a deeper, richer taste. Unfortunately, it also requires self-restraint, which I, for one, do not possess. I spent the afternoon pacing the kitchen like a contestant on a reality baking show, resisting the urge to sneak spoonfuls of dough that were in the fridge. (I knew I would never be able to wait for the 24 hrs, but the recipe stated I was allowed to bake them after 2 hours! Is there even a choice?! I think not!)
The Moment of Truth
After what felt like an eternity, I baked those golden morsels of sourdough-infused joy. And let me tell you—when I bit into the first cookie, the heavens parted, and I heard angels singing (or maybe it was just my stomach growling). They were chewy, slightly tangy, rich with chocolate, and utterly addictive.
Final Verdict: Worth Every Bit of the Madness
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Would I tweak a few things? Probably. I would use the convection button on my oven to get a more even bake for the ones on the bottom rack. Would I still eat the slightly burnt ones? You bet.
So if you, too, wish to embark on the adventure of sourdough chocolate chip cookies, prepare yourself. It’s a journey filled with suspense, scientific precision, and a whole lot of taste-testing. But in the end, it’s all worth it—because nothing beats a homemade cookie, especially one made with a little bit of chaos and a lot of love.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make another batch… for research purposes, of course.
Have you ever tried baking with sourdough? Share your stories of triumph and kitchen chaos in the comments!
Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m excited to share a bit about who I am, my passions, and the everyday adventures that fill my life with joy.
“To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try.” — Rosa Parks
I’ve always had a deep love for the outdoors and the thrill of new experiences. One of my greatest passions is riding my horses and spending time on the ranch. Whether I’m riding through open fields of cattle or practicing my roping & barrel racing skills in the arena, there’s a unique sense of freedom that comes with connecting to nature and the powerful animals I work with. Alongside this, water sports and camping have carved out a special place in my heart—there’s something exhilarating about splashing through water, feeling the rush of a wave, and embracing the challenges that come with it.
Family is at the center of everything I do. My husband Ryan and I are blessed with our beautiful daughter, Jade, who is five years old. Jade’s boundless energy and curiosity inspire me every day. I still remember the days when I was a competitive figure skater, travelling around Canada and the USA to represent my home province of Sask. Those experiences on the ice taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, and the pure joy of movement. Today, I watch with pride as Jade takes to the ice to skate and dance—it’s a beautiful echo of my own youth, and I cherish every moment of supporting her in her own adventures.
Family game nights are a treasured ritual in our home. Whether it’s board games, card games, or just silly activities that make us laugh, these moments remind me how important it is to nurture relationships and create memories together. And of course, our home wouldn’t be complete without Willie Nelson, our charming basset hound. Willie brings an extra dose of love and a bit of playful mischief to our everyday life.
Lately, I’ve embarked on a new culinary adventure—sourdough creation! This project isn’t just about baking; it’s a learning assignment that has opened up a whole new world of creativity and experimentation for me. There’s something incredibly satisfying about nurturing a sourdough starter, watching it grow, and transforming it into delicious bread. It’s become a metaphor for my life: with a little time, patience, and care, you can create something truly wonderful.
Every day brings a mix of past passions and new challenges. My love for sports, family, and creative pursuits continues to evolve, and I’m excited to see where each new interest will take me next. Whether I’m reminiscing about my competitive skating days or cheering on Jade as she takes on the world in her own unique way, I’m grateful for every twist and turn in my journey.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a glimpse into my life. I hope my story inspires you to embrace your own passions, cherish your family, and never stop exploring new adventures. Stay tuned for more stories and insights from my ever-evolving journey!
