Indigenous-Informed, Nature-Based Activities for Discovery, Growth, Sharing, and Learning Together
At the heart of our approach is the creation of balanced foundations, healthy ways of being, and a deep sense of connection through inclusive learning and sharing. We understand that cultural sharing is key to revealing the vital connections between Indigenous knowledge and contemporary ideas. By embracing these connections, methodologies, and original ways of being, we enhance the potential for sustainability on multiple levels—both within ourselves and the environment around us.
Recognizing that we are all part of a greater ecosystem is crucial. The land and environment around us offer endless wisdom, and when we cultivate a relationship with this natural world, we can make more conscious decisions that contribute to the health and balance of the environment. By understanding our place within this ecosystem, we align our actions with the rhythms of the world and nurture a balanced future.
This wisdom extends beyond the environment and into all areas of life—our personal growth, interactions within our communities, teamwork, leadership, and education. Whether in our relationships with nature, society, or each other, applying a relational awareness and appropriate actions strengthens our connections and helps us navigate the complexities of the world we live in.
An ecosystem’s purpose is to maintain balance through continuous growth, and as humans, we have a unique role to play in the web of life. By uncovering our part in the kinship of the earth, we can better understand how to exist harmoniously within the natural rhythms of the world.
This wisdom is embodied by the first peoples of this land—a living, breathing knowledge of custodianship and Lore that has been passed down through thousands of years of lived experience and understanding. It is a holistic foundation that connects us all.
No matter our heritage, we all carry the ancestral wisdom of our people. Yet, if we have grown disconnected from the biodiversity and the natural world, we are also responsible for the imbalances that exist today. Solutions may feel unattainable, but through reconnecting with Indigenous wisdom, we can tap into what is already within us to strengthen our connection to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.
Through these nature-based activities and Indigenous teachings, we aim to guide, support, and strengthen connections, helping everyone discover their own innate potential for balance and growth. Together, we can create a more sustainable, harmonious world.
Support for Teachers with Indigenous Topics
At Knowing In Nature, we offer professional development days designed to help teachers connect with and understand Indigenous topics within the current curriculum. Our approach goes beyond theoretical knowledge; it’s an opportunity to engage with local Indigenous educators, expanding and deepening the understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and knowledge systems.
Our workshops provide teachers with practical tools to integrate Indigenous perspectives into their lesson planning. We focus on creating content that is relevant and true to the local environment, honoring the heritage of the land where each school is based. Teachers will leave with tangible resources, ready to deliver engaging, respectful, and culturally rich lessons.
These sessions are not only informative but also designed to be enjoyable and healing. Teachers will be guided to embrace a diverse and vibrant Indigenous heritage, fostering a deeper connection with the land and culture. We create a safe space for teachers to have meaningful cultural conversations, helping them better understand the broader context of Indigenous knowledge and its relevance to their current teaching practices.
We also recognize that many teachers already have valuable experience working with Indigenous communities, and may have their own rich knowledge to share. The more we exchange and learn from each other, the more we can collectively enrich students’ learning experiences and create a supportive, culturally inclusive educational environment.
Incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems into the curriculum is not just about teaching history—it’s about fostering a deeper connection to the land, people, and stories that shape the world we live in. Through collaboration and shared learning, we aim to support teachers in embracing these perspectives and empowering students with a broader, more inclusive understanding of the world.
Using Storytelling, Song, and Art to Impart Wisdom and Reveal Deep Knowing
For thousands of generations, storytelling has been a powerful way to pass down wisdom, teachings, and life lessons. It connects us to our roots, opens our hearts, and invites us to see the world in new ways. Through stories, we can share metaphors that ignite our imaginations, offer moral teachings, and reveal histories and ways of being that shape who we are.
Storytelling is not just about sharing information; it’s about creating a space where conversation flows, where we engage with one another and explore different perspectives. It encourages deep listening and invites us to embody the wisdom of the story, reflecting it within our own lives.
By weaving together storytelling, song, and art, we create an immersive experience that invites reflection and inspires growth. Through these timeless practices, we honor the sacred process of learning, healing, and discovering our own deep knowing. Together, we embark on a journey that expands our knowledge, enriches our relationships, and nurtures our connection to the world around us.
Art as a Tool for Storytelling, Connection, and Understanding
Art serves as a powerful medium for sharing knowledge, communicating through symbols, and connecting people to their dreaming, the land, and each other. In an educational setting, art becomes a vehicle for personal expression, allowing individuals to tell their own stories, map out landscapes, and make sense of their environment in a visual way.
Through the creative process, we nurture self-expression and awareness. The act of creating together fosters a deeper collective understanding, enabling us to connect with one another and the world around us in meaningful ways. Art is not just an expression; it is a tool for growth, discovery, and connection.
The Power of Song: Connecting with Language, Landscape, and Spirit
Song is a profound way to connect with the language of the land, carrying rich layers of meaning and wisdom. In Indigenous knowledge systems, songs are not just melodies—they are maps and historical records of the landscape, preserving the stories and teachings of the land itself. They offer guidance on how to live in harmony with the environment and create meaningful connections.
Sharing songs in local Indigenous languages fosters a deep sense of connection and belonging, offering an experience that transcends words. As many Indigenous languages face the threat of extinction, embracing and sharing these languages in an inclusive way helps to honor and preserve the spirit of place, keeping cultural traditions vibrant and alive for future generations.
The Power of Storytelling, Art, and Song: A Path to Connection and Healing
Storytelling, art, and song are more than just creative expressions—they are powerful tools for communication, connection, and understanding. Guided through an Indigenous lens, by Indigenous peoples, both children and adults embark on a journey of inner reconciliation.
I believe that when we choose to actively participate in this process, healing can take place within us. By exploring our shared histories, we open the door to growth, regeneration, and renewal.
In this work, we look at the timeline of our nation—before the arrival of Europeans, after arrival, through colonisation, and the present moment. Sharing history in this way allows both young and older generations to gain a clearer, more accurate understanding of our collective truth. This holistic approach helps people form their opinions based on a fuller picture, rather than incomplete truths.
I believe it’s important for us to reflect, grow, and respect our differences. In doing so, we can acknowledge the truth and move forward as one, celebrating our multicultural identity and sharing the same land.
With deep respect,
Rachel Shields
Earth Art for sharing story within living landscapes
