Big Things in Little Places
Ambassadors recently brought the Initiative to a small community library during a school family day event. Despite the small space, hundreds still had a chance to explore the map’s wonders.
Students search to find their school on the IPAC GFM
“My own journey with the IPAC map initiative reminds me what my role is. This is about time – reflection, taking what we know and what we have learned from our past and using that knowledge to move forward in a more positive, healthy and kinder way.”
It was an evening of fun and learning arranged by a local Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) with hundreds showing up to support the event. Originally planned as an outdoor outing with games, BBQ and learning, the weather took a turn forcing the event indoors. No problem as Naut’sa mawt Ambassadors found a home to run the IPAC map portion - a small library made way by pushing all of their book shelving aside. Where there is will, there are ways.
Although the map did not quite fit, the modified set-up made it feel as though the room was a right fit, with one child screaming “I feel like I am inside a globe”.
The event hosted kids from ages 1 through to 13 but it was not just the kids who found the map intriguing, parents alike found themselves drawn to the time line and features asking questions about Indigenous history, languages and traditions. More evidence that pulling back and gaining a more outward perspective on the land’s timeline will reveal a lot about who we are collectively, how we came to this place and where we might go together.
If you want to be part of this great Canadian Geographic Education program, visit www.nautsamawt.ca
Sometimes learning just requires a different perspective
The map became a platform for inquiry, inspiring kids and adults alike to ask questions about places, names and pictures.
The youngest participant had only just turned one, while the oldest was 74. Truly an experience for all ages.