Western science and cultural beliefs do not have to be interchangeable; in fact, they can be very complementary to a child’s learning.
Staff at St’a7mes School, who uphold project-based learning, garner knowledge for the future land stewardship of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) with a multi-faceted approach.
Children of all ages are taught about their lands and culture, not only through traditional stories, activities, and language, but also with modern science by Western conservationists.
Two-Eyed Seeing refers to learning with one eye from Indigenous knowledge and the other from Western knowledge, then combining both sets of knowledge for the benefit of all.
In teaching and learning with Two-Eyed Seeing, all are encouraged to rebuild and connect to the land on which they live, whether they are Indigenous or otherwise. This can be observed as an act of reconciliation.
Matthew Van Oostdam, land-based co-ordinator for St’a7mes School, works with Nation members to lead a series of Two-Eyed Seeing ocean learning days for Cultural Journeys and Learning Expeditions, the latest of which, and not for the first time, took place at Xwawchayay (Porteau Cove) last week.
“It’s not a matter of learning the Western science beliefs or the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh understanding of these places… we can learn about both these things,” Van Oostdam said.
“The focus is to create space for both ways of seeing and understanding. A huge part of it is rebuilding our relationship and connection to [Porteau Cove]. For the kids, that’s so fundamental to caring about these places and realizing that their ancestors have lived, camped and paddled along these waters since longer than any of us can remember.”
A welcome figure was erected two years prior at the south end of the park to commemorate the school’s then two years of learning and partnership with the Nation and BC Parks, who help fund local non-profits, such as the Marine Life Sanctuaries Society (MLSS), which co-hosted the ocean learning days at Porteau Cove last week.
According to MLSS project director Adam Taylor, the MLSS has worked with local governments to protect areas such as Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver for 30 years, and has discovered prehistoric glass sponge reefs in Howe Sound, which were thought to be extinct since 1987.
“[MLSS] focuses on marine conservation areas, but we recognize the need for local stewardship and education and outreach because we won’t have long-term conservation areas without children learning about [their] importance,” he said.
“We want to inspire the next generation of stewards [and] researchers; without the children learning early, we won’t have long-term sustainability.”
The ocean learning days last week were divided into two parts: the morning began with an introductory talk by Van Oostdam about the story of the sturgeon, followed by Indigenous ceremonial music at the base of the welcome figure.
Xwawchayay translates to “place of little sturgeon.”
Knowledge Keeper Kwewawatennat (Virginia Johnston) then presented the children with dynamic and interactive Indigenous storytelling about various sea creatures, at a viewpoint overlooking Howe Sound.
In the afternoon, MLSS marine biologists gathered various hardy organisms with a team of divers from Howe Sound for the children to observe, after their lunch and a cultured beach walk, among them sea cucumbers, starfish, a small octopus, and crabs.
The children also spoke with and observed the scuba divers on the shoreline, marvelling at the workings of their suits and diving equipment.
Cory Hartling, St’a7mes School’s principal, was one of the first teachers at Learning Expeditions, which started simultaneously with Cultural Journeys 10 years ago.
“We’re having the kids really learn through experience,” Hartling said.
“These kids, a lot of them are Squamish kids, are here on their traditional territory learning traditional practices, and at St’a7mes School, that’s what we’re all about. We’re deeply invested in learning here on the land… For me, this really represents a deep act of reconciliation.”
St’a7mes School’s Two-Eyed Seeing ocean learning days ran from May 27 to 29. You can contact staff to learn about future projects and similar programs via the school’s website.
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter.
This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
**This story has been corrected to say Van Oostdam is the land based co-ordinator for St’a7mes School, and that Cory Hartling, St’a7mes School’s principal, was one of the first teachers at Learning Expeditions, but Van Oostdam was not. The Squamish Chief apologizes for the errors.
