Wanuskewin signs agreement with GSCS to advance land-based learning

A new agreement has been signed between Wanuskewin Heritage Park and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) to promote teaching practices and support First Nations’ land-based learning.

“This is an opportunity for learning. We’re strengthening the relationships within our communities and supporting some land-based learning with urban youth,” said Doug Hyndford, co-executive director at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

The signed Memorandum of Understanding is titled nitōhtem, a Cree word for ‘my friend’, which reflects the ‘shared commitment of both organizations to learning, the land, and to stewardship’, said a statement.

Key aspects of the four-year agreement include guidance by Elders and knowledge keepers from both organization, revitalization of Indigenous language and culture, and fostering of Indigenous students access to traditional First Nations’ learning methodologies, land, science, anthropology, and archeology.

“The impact we’re hoping for is out-of-the-classroom learning, understanding the importance of the land. At Wanuskewin, we’re not building with a site, we’re a site with a building,” said Hynford.

“People have been gathering here for over 6,000 years, and the teachings that have come with that history is what’s important. Everything else is just trying to support that.”

A first agreement between Wanuskewin and GSCS was signed in 2021 in order to work together to train educators, as well as teach children and youth.

“We’re very fortunate to have such a gem, along with the people who are able to share the special meaning of this place, in our own back yard for students to learn from,” said Diane Boyko, Board of Education Chair for GSCS.

“Being able to see and experience all that Wanuskewin has to offer brings classroom learning to life for both students and staff.”