“Water has to live, it can hear, it can sense what we’re saying, it can really, really speak to us. Some songs come to us through the water. We have to understand that water is very precious.” – Josephine Mandamin, Water Walker, 1942-2019
Water is one of the four elements that are very sacred to First Nations people. Many First Nations ceremonies involve water. These ceremonies include water walks, water ceremonies, sweat lodges, and fasts. These ceremonies will be described, videos about them will be watched, and a special type of discussion will be held.
Grades 3-5 Lesson 1: Respecting Our Water
“In order to respect the water we have to respect the land. The land is a natural filtration system for our water. We don’t take care of the land, the water becomes sick.” - Unknown
Students will be exposed to the protocol for approaching an Elder while learning the importance of respecting the water and land.
K-2 Lesson 2: Respecting Water
“As Indigenous Peoples, we recognize, honour and respect Water as a sacred and powerful gift from the Creator. Water, the first living spirit on this earth, gives life to all creation. Water, powerful and pristine, is the lifeblood that sustains life for all peoples, lands and creation. We know that by listening to the songs of the Water, all creation will continue to breathe. Our knowledge, laws and ways of life teach us to be responsible at all times in caring for this sacred gift that connects all life.” - Musqueam Territory Elder