Wrapping up the Year at Bkejwanong

For our year end trip, Jen's class and my class travelled to Bkejwanong (Walpole Island). Up to this point, my kiddos have only experienced the flow of the water from lake to river and the reedy landscape of the First Nation through the beauty of Google Earth. 

"That sign says Boozhoo!" a six year old yelled out on the bus as we traveled over the bridge and onto the First Nation of Bkejwanong. Their eyes were sparkling as they experienced the Snye River in real life.


Enroute to our destination of High Banks park, we shared our observations of the ferry dock that travelled directly across the St. Clair River to the United States of America. The kids were in awe of the colourful climber equipment at Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgmig (Walpole Island Elementary School) and were pleasantly surprised to see a daycare and police station.  

After some exploration time at the outdoor fitness and play equipment at High Banks Park, we were joined by the Isaac family. Students were quick to form a circle around them on the grass under the clearest sky we've had in weeks. Their eyes were locked onto the shakers and drums made of horns, deer hide, and rattle snake as the Isaac family shared their make and sounds. And then magic began...

We spent the next 40 minutes matching the beat of our shakers to the rhythm of Mr. Isaac's drum. We sang along celebrating the land, women, and one another. We danced in unision. We embraced a culture we had been celebrating throughout the year. 




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