Indigenous Education: Youth on the Land

By: Izzie Rudgley

Youth on the Land is a program that connects students with Indigenous teachings, language, and the land and water. Through harvesting skills, spending time outdoors, coming together with Elders, cedar weaving, drumming and storytelling, youth gain a deeper understanding and connection to the land and the importance of the land’s history and cultural significance.

The first Youth on the Land took place on October 16th and 17th, hosted by Stqeeye’ Learning Society. The two-day experience invited the Grade 8-12 students to learn from the land and deepen their connection with their culture. On Wednesday, Grade 8-10 students visited Xwaaqw’um (Burgoyne Bay), which means ‘the land of the female merganser duck.'

This area used to be a major nesting ground and still continues to hold cultural and ecological importance. Students spent the day outdoors, learning about the history of Hwmet’utsum - Mount Maxwell (whose name means the bent over place.) They also learn about traditional games, such as the ‘bone game,’ which was once used as a way to share wealth and is still played competitively today. 

 The group toured the wetland restoration project and visited the camas garden, where they discovered how restoring the camas plant supports an important traditional food source for Cowichan People.

On Thursday, Grades 11s and 12s spent the day exploring the beach and walking through the forest. They learned about clam middens, which are discarded pieces of ancient shells imbedded in the soil to preserve the clams and nurture the trees. Showing how Indigenous peoples have lived sustainably from the sea for thousands of years. 

Later on, students gathered around the fire to paint, make bracelets, and share stories as well as reflect on what they had learned. It was a beautiful and meaningful two days on the land, bringing students closer to indigenous teachings, environmental stewardship, and connecting students with their culture.