Launa Purcell

Nature is a place to both play and learn. The physical self is moving and active, the mental self is thinking and questioning, the emotional self is feeling and experiencing, and the spiritual self is connecting and thankful. We see what we have been taught to see. We love and respect our natural surroundings when we see ourselves as belonging to that community. This resource leads readers on a rich learning journey as they deepen their connections to nature and culture.

The activities inside instill traditional teachings of respect, honour, resourcefulness, and humility in children. This handbook is intended to inspire parents, caregivers, and educators to provide children with meaningful outdoor experiences interwoven with traditional indigenous knowledge.

Educator Information
For use with children.

Table of Contents
Introduction

The Power of Ceremony
- Introduction
- Ceremony and Daily Life
- Sunrise Ceremony
- Nature Picnic
- Sharing
- Navajo Forgiveness Ceremony
- Smudging Ceremony

Mindfulness: Meditation of Gratitude
- Introduction
- Gratitude
- Silent Study
- Sensory Wake-Up
- Walking Meditation
- Guided Meditation
- Nature Meditation
- Traditional Prayers

We Are All Related
- Honouring the Plants, Earth and Water
- Medicine Wheel Teachings in Nature
- Water is Life
- Find the Rock Game
- Adopt a Tree
- Read a Tree
- Earthing
- Build a Nature Structure

Swimmers, Walkers and Fliers
- The Animal People
- Walk Like the Animal People
- Tracking

Indigenous Games
- Introduction
- Blindfold Detective
- Stalk the Drum
- Fire Keeper
- Deer Cliff Arrow
- Hunter
- Run and Scream
- Metis Map-Making

Conclusion

Additional Information
84 pages | 9.00" x 7.00" | Paperback

Prepare to embark on a journey rich with the wisdom of our ancestors and the secrets shared by Mother Earth.

In this children’s book, you will follow a path once tread by those before us, where the songs of the trees, the dance of the rivers, and our stories are carried by the wind. These teachings are invaluable treasures passed down through generations.

You’ll discover the language of animals, the lessons of plants, and the wisdom of the land. If you listen closely, you will hear the “Whispers of the Earth,” guiding you on this incredible adventure.

Educator Information
Recommended for kindergarten to grade 7.

Carl Sam advised on the language, and is “Ha7li” of the Bear Clan from Skookumchuck, part of St’at’icmulh Nation, sometimes referred to as the Interior Salish. Through this book, he shares elements of the Ucwalmícwts language.

Includes some words in Ucwalmícwts.

Additional Information
60 pages | 20 × 20 × 1 cm | Paperback | Printed locally on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.