New Outdoor Learning Space at SMS

A new outdoor learning and fire pit space at Shuswap Middle School (SMS) is now complete! Indigenous educators, Theresa Johnson and Kaeli Hawrys have been busy designing and building a new outdoor learning and fire pit space at Shuswap Middle School (SMS). The space will be used by all students in the SMS community for learning Indigenous teachings, reading, and as an outdoor classroom.

The idea was inspired by students in Marlee Penner’s class who, earlier in the year, had taken part in a experiential lesson through a historical exercise and beaded timeline with Johnson and Hawrys. These activities illustrate how colonization has affected groups of Indigenous people in the past and present. Students then designed their own beaded timeline, adding their researched information on traditional knowledge systems, as well as how they hope to see reconciliation in action in the future. Students wanted to do something that demonstrates how we all have a role to play in the process.

The result was a learning space for all, designed around the traditional concepts of the Medicine Wheel. Students worked and fundraised, Pedro’s gave discounts on the rocks, and Terra Traxx owner/operator Craig Volpatti provided machinery and materials at cost in order to see this vision come to life. A big “thank you!” to all involved.

“It is amazing to see what can be accomplished when we all come together in the spirit of understanding and reconciliation,”shared Johnson.