Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

The third Indigenous knowledge we will be exploring over two days. Our first day we shall adventure into our local Telegraph Trail park. The second lesson will include a "scavenger hunt" and cover information on some local edible plants and berries.

TEK is the intellectual property of the First Nations who hold it.

"TEK is, above all, local knowledge based in people’s relationship to place. Knowledge about a specific plant may include understanding its life cycle, its spiritual connections, its relationship to the seasons and with other plants and animals in its ecosystem, as well as its uses and its stories."

Lesson #1

What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)?

TEK refers to the knowledge Indigenous people's have of the natural world and their local environment. TEK is not stuck in the past, but is under constant construction. TEK can be used to inform about climate change, sustainability, and resource management.

3 Main Parts of TEK:

1) It is a worldview and a belief system.

2) It is based in practical knowledge and skills. Some of these knowledges and skills are: biology of animals, harvesting plants, understanding life cycles, knowing plant uses, knowledge about ecosystems, and how to use natural resources as tools.

3) Teaching of these skills passes through generations. This can be done through stories, demonstrations, participation, or ceremonies.

Activity:

Part 1:

1) As a class we will be going out into Telegraph Trail Park and making a quick loop of the trail there.

2) Be respectful of the plants and small animals you may see.

3) While we walk through the trees focus on your senses, what can you see, hear, feel, or smell?

Part 2:

1) Back in class return to your table groups and I will number you off 1-4.

2) Four tables will have a sheet of paper on it with the headings of either: see, hear, feel, or smell.

3) The four numbered off groups will rotate around these four pieces of paper writing down what they experienced in the park.

4) Once everyone has been to each piece of paper we will quickly share out the ideas. These ideas will help inform the poetry we will be working on the next few weeks.

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Lesson #2

Station 1: Plant Pictures

1) Go to this Website: https://northernbushcraft.com/guide.php?ctgy=edible_plants&region=bc

2) Choose a plant from the list and click on it.

3) On a blank piece of paper write down the name of the plant on the top and underline it.

4) Under the plant name list two facts you got from the website page.

5) Under the facts (or on the back depending on room) draw a picture of your chosen plant (photos of your plant can be found on the website as well).

6) Share your plant facts and picture with the person beside you.

Station 2: Plant Puzzle

1) Complete the puzzle.

2) Flip the pieces over and learn about that plant.

3) Look for information on what type of plant it is, what properties it has, and what it can be used for.

4) Tell the person beside you about what you found.

Station 3: Wildcraft Board Game

1) The objective of the game is to collect berries and bring them back to Grandma's house before nightfall.

2) Along the way you may land on cards which give you illnesses and cards which give you potential cures.

3) You can share the cure cards with your teammates if they need them, or choose to use them on yourself.

4) If you land on a moon, it progresses closer to nighttime.

5) You must work together in order to make it all the way back to Grandma's house with the berries, everyone must make it up the mountain and back.