Wiikwemkoong students get land-based learning as part of reconciliation week

Land-based learning was the focus this week for some students in the Wiikwemkoong Board of Education.

Sixty students from Grades 3-11 were given a unique experience at the Blue Jay Creek Fish Hatchery.

"We've got students from the Wiikemkoong Board of Education partnering with the Blue Jay Creek Fish Culture Station to learn about how we can harvest and engage with fish sustainably," land-based educator Nimkii Lavell told CTV News.

They arrived by bus around 9:30 a.m. and immediately split into groups, which included the hatchery, catching fish and preparing it.

Land-based learning is one of the newer additions at the board.

This is only the second year it's been offered to all grades with this particular lesson thanks to help from the hatchery.

"By being here, you know in the Ministry of Natural Resources space, and having them welcome us here to do this traditional activity, it's reconciliation," said Lavell.

"We are working together, partnering together to move forward."

Land-based learning was the focus this week for some students in the Wiikwemkoong Board of Education. (Ian Campbell/CTV News)

Students were shown the thousands of fish that will one day grow to maturity. From there they made their way to the creek with nets.

After that it was over to a smoker where they were shown how the fish was being traditionally prepared.

Lunch consisted of trout along with potatoes and corn that were grown in student-cultivated gardens.

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"It's pretty fun cause I'm surrounded by bush a lot, like, on the reserve so you can just use whatever you learned, whenever you want," said Grade 11 student Tristan.

Older high school students worked behind the scenes to document the day. The communications teacher has tasked them with taking pictures. Their job later will be telling this story.

"Personally if they go home and remember this for the rest of their lives, that's my success," said teacher Adrian Rampersad.