An Indigenous Knowledge Keeper or community member should be invited in to help to deliver this learning activity.
Instructions:
- In this lesson teacher discusses with students the ways in which Indigenous ceremonies (in this instance, Maple and Corn ceremonies) are important to both the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples and to the land. Discussion should focus on how ceremonies are important as they encourage people to express gratitude, to give back to, and to live in reciprocity with the land. Information on the ceremonies is included in Ceremony Ensures Right Relations with the Land.pdf.
- Teachers can also choose to read some of the following stories with their students.
Stories articulating Anishinaabe Maple teachings include:
- All Our Relations.pdf found in The Gift is in the Making: Anishinaabeg Stories by Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg musician, writer and academic Leanne Simpson;
- Chapter Maple Sugar Moon found in Potawatomi scholar and plant ecologist Robin Kimmerer’s (2013) book Braiding sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Milkweed Edition;
- Manabozho and the Maple Trees.pdf found in Joseph Bruchac’s Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children; and
- The Gift is in the Making.pdf found in The Gift is in the Making: Anishinaabeg Stories by Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg musician, writer and academic Leanne Simpson.
A story discussing Haudenosaunee teachings related to the corn harvest can be found in:
- The Corn Spirit (Tuscarora-Eastern Woodland).pdf found in Joseph Bruchac’s Keepers of Life: Discovering Plants Through Native Stories and Earth Activities for Children.
Spotlight on Language:
- Students learn the names for Maple tree, the ceremonies, and the things used to gather and make syrup etc. in both languages and are encouraged to add them to their Outdoor Learning Journal (introduced in the Teacher’s Guide) and refer to them throughout the Bundle. Teachers should also refer back to these words throughout the Bundle to solidify their language learning. These words are also available on the online QUILLS dictionary. Teachers and students can visit the online dictionary to hear the words.
Anishinaabewmowin:
Forest Habitat: Mitigwaaking
Maple Tree: Ninaatig
Maple Ceremony: Ziizbaakdoke Giizis
Container to collect Sap: biskitenaagan
Kanyen’kéha:
Forest Habitat: Kahrhá:kon
Maple Tree: Wáhta
Maple Ceremony: Ahatishestáta, (the Opening the Bush/Woods)
Container Used to Collect Sap: Kanà:tsyonk
Extension:
- Teachers have students share with the class or in small groups any ceremonies from their lives or cultures that are intended to give back to and/or give thanks to the land/natural world.
