Connecting to Our Land

1. While outside, find a quiet spot to sit alone. In the space below, record what you notice about the
environment around you. What do you see, what do you hear? Are there any areas that mean
anything special to you and that you connect with? How so?

2. For many of us, and for many First Nations, Métis and Inuit, land shapes our culture, identity and
sense of belonging.
 When you think about “land” and “home”, what do you think about? What is your relationship
with those things?

3. First Peoples share an understanding of their relationship with the land. Below are some First
Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives on “land” and “home”. Read through them and circle any
that you relate to and write a brief explanation why below it.

Determines culture Sharing bounty Determines who I am Rest and safety A keeper of medicines
(resources)

Takes care of me Natural beauty Listen to land At one with land Respect

Identify Where family is Mother Earth Spiritual Where I belong

4. The Value of Land:

- Many Canadians, aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, feel a strong connection to land. For
example, farming families often become emotionally attached to their land, particularly
when a farm is passed from generation to generation. The longer people spend in one
location and the more their lives revolve around the land.
 - In today’s modern world, people are less likely to put down roots and make their living
directly from the land. To many people, land has become something to buy and sell. It
has monetary value and practical uses, but little value in their hearts and spiritual
identities. But to FNMI peoples, land has huge implications on their political, economic,
social, cultural, and spiritual ways of life.
- Land is physically and spiritually a part of people
- Land is part of their identity as humans
- Land is a source of food for humans, plants, and animals
- Land is a cycle of giving and taking

Humans take
Land provides care of the Land
humans life

After reading this, look at your list from question 2. Do those things have connections to political,
economic, social, cultural, or spiritual ways of life? How so?