Place Based

Education
Creating a Culturally Responsive
Learning Environment
by
Dawn Bast and Julie Lizotte

Acknowledging Territory
Our class is being held on the traditional lands of the Lheidli Tenneh
people and I wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners.
I would also like to pay my respects to their Elders, past and present,
and the Elders from other communities who may be here today.
http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/aboriginal-affairs/protocols-for-recognising-traditional-owners
http://www.lheidli.ca/

K-W-L Chart activity

Each pod will write on their chart what they know
about PBE, and what they want to know.
During the presentation, if you find the answer to
your what do I want to know record it on post-it.
We will complete last section (what we have
learned) as a group at the end of the
presentation.

What is Place Based Education?

Place-based education (PBE) immerses students in local heritage,
cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences, using these as a
foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies,
science and other subjects across the curriculum. PBE emphasizes
learning through participation in service projects for the local school
and/or community.

source: http://www.promiseofplace.org/what_is_pbe

Place Based Education in Aboriginal Communities:

Suzanne Stewart of OISE

Aboriginal Principles of Learning in Relation to Place

Based Education (PBE)

(FNESC)

How can Place Based Education

benefit our communities?
1. Creates engaged and responsible citizens.
2. Such programs have been found to improve
aspiration and/or retention levels.
3. Development of outdoor technical skills and the
strengthening of ones relationship with nature.
4. Such programs have been found to improve
aspiration and/or retention levels.

Columbia:
The Aboriginal Indigenous Garden
Aboriginal Indigenous Garden Project

Mi

Mikes Garden Blog

kes Garden Blog

Why is it relevant to our students

in Prince George?
Strengthens health and relationships with self and
others
Disconnection from land
Misunderstanding of Elders teaching
Seven Grandfather teachings
Stewardship
Trust and respect

How can we create place based education

in our colonised classrooms?
Use what is available to you! You do not need to have access to
forest everyday, a tree in your school yard can become your
forest, your starting point for place based teaching.
Create a community of teachers who will support one another in
creating place based education within your school/district

http://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/video/girl-planting-evergreen-tree-in-yard-and-digging-stock-video-footage/81097243

What resources and knowledge holders

can I access?
Native Friendship Centre SD57 Aboriginal Department-Sue Perron (Metis)
Exploration Place
UNBC science, history, First Nation department
Ab. Ed. workers in your schools
SD 57 DLC
http://blog.northernhealth.ca/mental-wellness/getting-your-feet-back-on-a-natural-path/

Review K-W-L chart, add any new found

knowledge/information.

Questions and comments?

References and Sources

Aboriginal Indigenous Garden. (2013). Web accessed Nov. 10, 2015.
http://aboriginalindigenousgarden.weebly.com/our-garden.html
Department of Premier and Cabinet Victoria State Government. (2015). Protocols for acknowledging
traditional owners. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/aboriginal-affairs/protocols-for-recognising-traditional-owners
Perron, Sue. (2015) School District 57, Aboriginal Education Department.
http://www.sd57.bc.ca/school/abed/Pages/newsitem.aspx?ItemID=9&ListID=d09e5fab-c2bd-4173-be93-9
b4697abca45
Promise of Place: Enriching Lives Through Place Based Education. retrieved Nov. 1, 2015.
http://www.promiseofplace.org/what_is_pbe

TVO.org. (2011). Place Based Education in Aboriginal Communities. Feb. 24, 2011. TVOparents video
retrieved from Youtube.
Victor, Lauren. (2013). Making a long term impact on students through place-based, experiential approach
to academics. Curriculum and Teaching Dialogue. 15 (1,2). 83-96.