An Indigenous community in Saskatchewan has adopted a unique approach to educating its students about the environment. Clearwater River Dene Nation, situated approximately 520 kilometers north of Saskatoon, has implemented a seasonal land-based learning strategy to enhance student engagement in education.
Grade 11 student Landon Moise expressed, “It provides us with various opportunities that would not be accessible otherwise, such as interacting with scientists, conducting samplings, collaborating with NexGen at their future mine, and working alongside individuals we would not have had the chance to engage with previously.”
The students have been delving into the lesser-known practice of snare fishing.
Students engage in snare fishing as part of land-based learning at the Dene immersion school in Clearwater River Dene Nation, situated about 600 kilometers northwest of Saskatoon.
They commence the process by utilizing a long branch, typically sourced from a poplar or birch tree for its flexibility, and rabbit snare wire to fashion a snare at the end, as explained by Paul Haynes, the school’s land-based educator.
The length of the pole ranges from four to 12 feet, depending on the location.
The critical next step is locating the fish.
“Spotting the fish evolves into an art form, and capturing the fish becomes an even more intricate art form due to the shift in perception when observing the water and the fish’s actual position within it, while aligning the snare with the fish,” Haynes elaborated.
“There is a slight learning curve, but once that is mastered, some of the students excel like professionals.”
Following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance dwindled, prompting the school to reassess its teaching methodologies, Haynes noted. Previously offering camps biannually, a fresh approach was necessary to re-engage the students.
“Post-pandemic, there appeared to be heightened anxieties, attendance issues, and a lack of enthusiasm towards education,” he remarked.
“Many individuals struggled with the transition from online learning back to traditional classrooms, resulting in diminished motivation.”
