Case Study: The Ska-Nah-Doht Experience

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In the Native Studies Ontario Curriculum, 2000, the grade 11 NBV3E course examines Aboriginal peoples and their relationships to land and nature, as well as to one another within their communities and working environments. The course also examines how traditional and contemporary beliefs and values influence present-day aspirations and actions. The Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum is a re-creation of a longhouse village dating back 1,000 years and is located on Longwoods Road Conservation Area in Mount Brydges, Ontario. It offers 18 outdoor exhibits where students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning activities that build on prior knowledge learned in the classroom. Ska-Nah-Doht offers programs that compliment the Native …show more content…

Students participate in activities that further their understanding of life prior to contact with Europeans, traditional longhouses, economics and spirituality. A second program, Builder, Gatherer, Medicine Walk, takes students on a walk into the woods to identify plants, trees, and flowers still used as medicine, survival food, and for building. Students will learn ways in which traditional Aboriginal knowledge of the land influenced how Aboriginal peoples interacted with the land, and how the environment influences health and community today. Students are encouraged to bring a paperless picnic lunch to enhance their understanding of Aboriginal peoples respect for the land, adding to the Ska-Nah-Doht …show more content…

A signed parental consent form must be received prior to leaving for Sha-Nah-Doht. It is important that the supervisory teacher be aware of students who require special medication and know of any health concerns such as allergies and special needs when planning this field trip as most of the activities take place outside. The fee for a full-day trip to Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum is $14.00 per student or a minimum of $210.00 if there are less than 15 students, and all educational staff are admitted free. The cost to the student must include transportation and supply teacher rates as outlined in the WECDSB Field Trip/Excursion Policy. Without funding, the total cost to the student, based on 50 students attending, or two classes, is approximately $45 - $50. This includes full bus transportation approximately $1000.00 ($20/student), supply coverage (for 2 teachers) $500 ($10/student), and the $14 admission fee. The students will be required to bring a paperless lunch and any extra money for souvenirs. The Ministry of Education School Board Funding Projections 2016-2017 has allocated funds specifically for the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education, which may cover all or some of the costs. It is important to contact the board’s Curriculum Consultant to apply for

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