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Features
Update 2020/6/9 Teachers' Hub
brought to you in part by
ON-THE-LAND CAMPS EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS YOUTH TO BE GUARDIANS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES
By Suzanne Forcese
“Identities, geographies, histories, societies, cultures, economics, and politics have been and continue to be shaped by water. I critically reflect on my settler colonial history and complicity in relation to water issues impacting First Nations.”
--Stephanie Marianne Woodworth, PhD Student, University of Ottawa
Awareness that strikes to the very core of one’s being undoubtedly has the power to shift direction and create purpose. At 25, Stephanie Woodworth has experienced several revelations that have rocked her world and shaped the momentum of her goal -- connecting to water in a reciprocal learning experience with Indigenous youth.
WaterToday had the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie Marianne Woodworth whose thesis project evaluates On-The-Land Camps in the Northwest Territories led by Northern Water Futures' researchers.
“My thesis project evaluates the co-production of knowledge between science and Indigenous knowledges and whether the community goals are achieved.”
Woodworth is also exploring how the on-the-land education camps in the NWT empower youth to be future Guardians in the communities as well as promote a common cross-cultural understanding of water knowledge.
Water. A power and a presence so intense that Woodworth’s own life path changed course with several significant water awakenings.
Now in the Department of Geography at the University of Ottawa, she holds a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Exercise Sciences at the University of Toronto.
“I felt exhausted about what I could learn in exercise science. Water is taken for granted in the human body. We are water bodies. I wanted to know more about our connection to water.”
While in her Masters studies the call within to learn more about water led Woodworth to a lecture about water inequalities.
That message took her back to her hometown of Dryden and the history of mercury poisoning.
“Stories had been made invisible to me my whole life. I had never learned history from an Indigenous perspective. It was a pivotal turning point for me. I can’t ignore the fact that I am a white woman. There was no going back. I have to do everything in my power to change the history of my ancestors.”
Propelled now by her thirst to learn more through the Indigenous lens, Woodworth embarked on the Mother Earth Water Walks in the company of the late Grandmother Josephine.
“I was honored to be the person carrying the copper vessel of water that was poured into the lake.
It was the most powerful moment of my life. My spirit was touched by the water and the connection it holds to life. All life.”
Living in Toronto, Woodworth began walking a new journey.
“Seeing this huge town on one of the Great Lakes – and everyone was so disconnected from the water that provides them with so much. I was shocked at how they took water for granted.”
Motivated to change that perception of water, Woodworth became involved with Waterlution, a non-profit that works to build water leaders. This is where she organized a Pass The Glass Water Walk that won her 1st prize as a Canadian Delegate at The World Youth Parliament For Water 4th General Assembly in Brazil, in 2018, and where she connected with a group of 40 young water leaders from around the world.
Woodworth describes her connection to this network as having found a long-lost family, finally brought together for the same purpose -- water
“I began to understand how water has no boundaries, no borders, no judgment. Water brings us together across cultures, geographies and histories. Water is life.”
That understanding further defined her purpose. Woodworth knew now she needed to focus on youth education, specifically finding ways to connect youth to the land and water.
“Connection leads to protection. When you feel connected to something, you feel a responsibility to care for and protect it.”
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Inspired by her new water family from around the world , Woodworth co-authored a children’s book with Dorothy Graham, Ellen Stitt and Jill Pelkrey.
The book invites readers to explore Canada and its waterways through the eyes of two young adventurers visiting provinces and territories throughout the coasts of Canada, learning about Canada’s waterways, Indigenous Knowledge of water, landscapes and the country’s history.
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“It’s an amazing tool for educators,” Woodworth adds. “And home-schooling parents.”
Woodworth’s strengthening connection to protection and responsibility did not go unnoticed. Dr. Andrew Spring invited her to be part of his research team.
For the past three years Woodworth has partnered with the On-The-Land Dehcho Youth Ecology & Traditional Knowledge Camp in the Dehcho Region. The Dehcho Region of the NWT in the Canadian subarctic is a place of great ecological and cultural significance to Dehcho First Nations – a regional Indigenous government comprised of Dene and Métis people.
Woodworth has helped facilitate and coordinate science-based learning as well as water leadership activities adapted specifically for Dehcho youth. For Woodworth the camps have been a critical step in building her research on the foundations of trust, respect, responsibility and reciprocity.
“I attended the camp to help facilitate and coordinate the various activities, as well as to gain experience for my doctoral research which explores the role of land-based education for empowering the youth.”
During the camp, youth were engaged through a series of activities, games and teachings. Elders and Knowledge Holders shared Dene laws, values and Dene Zhatie (South Slavey) language, led traditional activities, practices and ceremonies. The hands-on science based activities included mapping, surveying and video recording to teach youth how to measure changes in water quality, permafrost conditions and ecological function.
Woodworth speaks warmly of the incredible bond that has developed between her and the youth aged 12-16 who remain in contact with her. “Every time I leave there are hugs and tears.”
And what did Woodworth learn?
“Everything.”
Upon the completion of camp, Woodworth asked the youth what they learned from the land.
The answer she got spoke volumes.
“ ‘We are not from the land. We are the land.’ It was the most profound statement I have ever heard.”
Please enjoy the video of Stephanie Woodworth’s experience. Video Courtesy Northern Water Futures (Friday Features)
suzanne.f@watertoday.ca
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