Way Of Life Teaching
At Cadotte Lake School, Way of Life Teaching is more than a curriculum—it’s a journey that weaves Woodland Cree knowledge, language, and values into every aspect of our students’ day. Rooted in our community’s traditions and guided by our Elders and Knowledge Keepers, this holistic approach honors the interconnectedness of land, language, and learning. By living our culture in the classroom, on the land, and in the community, students develop a deep sense of identity, belonging, and responsibility.
Learning Based in Hope for our Future
Through Way of Life Teaching, lessons in math, science, literacy, and the arts are enriched by Cree language instruction, stories, and ceremonies that have been passed down for generations. From morning smudges and traditional drumming circles to seasonal harvesting and land-based exploration, students experience firsthand how their heritage informs modern understanding. This immersive model empowers learners to see themselves as stewards of their culture and environment, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive academically and personally.
Way Of Life-based Education
Inform and Educate
Way of Life education in Canada is an educational approach that aims to inform and educate students about the treaties between Indigenous nations and the Canadian government. This educational focus recognizes treaties as foundational to the history and structure of Canada and aims to address the historical and ongoing significance of treaties in shaping relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Implementation and Goals
Way of Life education initiatives vary by province and territory, with some regions, like Manitoba and Saskatchewan, leading comprehensive programs. The goal is for all Canadians to develop an awareness of Indigenous rights and responsibilities established by treaties, and to understand how these rights remain relevant today.
Overall, way of life education is part of a broader movement to create a more inclusive and accurate understanding of Canada’s history, addressing the knowledge gap around Indigenous peoples’ role, rights, and contributions within Canada’s formation and growth.
Key Elements of Way of Life Education
Understanding Treaties as Living Agreements:
Treaties are recognized as living documents with ongoing legal and moral implications, not merely historical artifacts. Treaty-based education encourages understanding that treaties were intended to create mutual benefits, partnership, and coexistence, even if they have not always been honored or implemented as intended.
Historical and Cultural Context:
Students learn the historical contexts in which treaties were made, including the perspectives of Indigenous nations who entered into them, as well as the impact of colonization and settlement policies on Indigenous peoples and their lands.
Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation:
Treaty-based education supports Canada’s commitments to truth and reconciliation by helping to address the historical injustices and misunderstandings surrounding treaties. It acknowledges the lasting impacts of colonial policies and emphasizes reconciliation as an ongoing process.
Fostering Respectful Relationships:
This education emphasizes building respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples based on mutual understanding and shared responsibility. It encourages non-Indigenous Canadians to recognize treaty rights as part of Canada’s legal and moral obligations.
Integration Across Subjects:
Treaty-based education is often integrated across various subjects—history, social studies, law, literature, and geography—creating a more holistic understanding of the treaty relationship.
Let’s Learn Together!
Education is more than just knowledge—it’s a journey we take together. At Woodland Cree Education Authority, we honor our past, embrace our present, and build a future where learning is guided by culture, community, and connection. Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or community member, we invite you to grow with us. Together, we create opportunities, inspire minds, and strengthen our Nation.