Discovering Aboriginal Teachings at Come Walk in My Moccasins

It was cold at the Frink Centre conservation area on April 20. Thirty-two early learning professionals, artists, storyteller and guide had gathered for Come Walk in My Moccasins – a professional development event exploring Aboriginal teachings through art and nature. Small squares of icy snow bounced from our winter-weight jackets and blankets that some had wrapped around their shoulders. Participants and presenters cradled steaming cups of coffee in their hands and ate fruit-laden bannock around the campfire while Sarah Brown, Aboriginal Family Literacy Circle member, shared an opening in Mohawk expressing thanks for all of creation, and leading us in a smudge.

“We gather in a circle,” explained Sarah, “because when we are in a circle we are face to face. No one is above or below another. We are all equal. Using the circle in our work with children is one way we can help them learn respect for one another.”Maureen Walton, artist and storyteller, deepened our understanding of the four directions and the elements of earth, wind, fire and water these directions symbolize. She then told us the oral story of “The Sky Woman”. While we listened, we handled small balls of clay, experientially grounding us in the element of earth.Afterwards, inside the pavilion, four artists shared their unique expressions of Aboriginal culture. Rebecca Maracle, a feather-smith from Tyendinaga demonstrated the interplay of teachings, nature and art through her passionate words and her intricate feather pictures and jewelry.Will Fisher, a stone carver from Tyendinaga, helped us glimpse the depth of his connection to nature, the four directions, and his respect for all of creation through his exquisite and expressive carvings from stone.AJ VanDrie, whose art studio is in Codrington, Ontario, spoke of the meaning of colour, light, shapes, and line through his Woodland style paintings. On canvas and on small rocks, AJ’s work revealed an authenticity and beauty of experience, culture, and sense of self in relation to others.Casandra Asselstine, an Algonquin native from Sharbot Lake, Ontario, shared how she creatively and artistically expresses her Aboriginal heritage through graphic design and water colour paintings.Participants at Come Walk in My Moccasins also took part in a guided hike with Mary Tiessen. Mary taught us to be open to discovery of Mother Earth by showing us techniques to use with children. She helped us see with owl eyes, listen with deer ears, and walk with quiet fox footsteps, and gave us the opportunity to share meaningful discoveries about the sights, sounds, smells and feel of nature.We had begun our morning together in a circle around the campfire. Our morning ended similarly in a circle of inclusion as Sharon from Katarokwi Native Friendship Centre led us in the Traveling Song - a song that brings together the sounds common to all languages and people.Despite the cold and dampness, reaction to Come Walk in My Moccasins was warm. As one participant expressed, “I have learned so much about how to incorporate First Nations practices and nature into my work with children. I feel inspired by the passion of the artists.”Thanks to the Hastings-Prince Edward Children’s Services Network for funding this event and to the Aboriginal Family Literacy Circle members for creating, planning and supporting this opportunity of learning. A special thanks to Kayla Brant, Sarah Brown, Darlene Armer, Holly Olmstead, and Donna Kaye for their extraordinary efforts in making this event possible.

Susan Ramsay is the Early Literacy Specialist for Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. You can contact her at 613-354-6318 (ext 32) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.