Minds On
The protection of natural environments
Explore the following carousel of images and descriptions of protected natural environments from around the world.
Kruger National Park is one of the African continent’s largest protected habitats (Limpopo Province, South Africa).
Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve is a protected conservation area that llamas call home (Arequipa, Peru).
Clear water runs through a creek within the protected natural environment in Lichtfield National Park (Northern Territory, Australia).
- What do you notice about the appearance of these environments? Describe any factors of a healthy environment you notice, such as wildlife, water, sources of food, and shelter.
Record your response using a method of your choice.
Action
Global connection
The United Nations (UN) is a group of many countries from around the world that have come together to create a better future for people and the environment. They have created 17 goals called the Sustainable Development Goals.
This learning activity is connected to Goal #15: Life on Land. This means everyone should help protect earth’s ecosystem. An ecosystem is an area where plants and animals interact with non-living things like soil or water.
Indigenous perspectives on land and environment
Indigenous peoples are very diverse and have distinct cultures, knowledges, traditions, and beliefs. However, many Indigenous peoples throughout the world believe in treating the Earth with respect and reciprocity and value their natural habitats.
There are over 630 First Nations communities in Canada.
Explore this First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Association of Ontario video entitled “Relationship with Land and Water” to learn more about how the Kitchinuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation relate to their land and environment.
Once you have explored the previous video, record examples of how the Kitchinuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation community members relate to the land. Respond to the following prompt using a method of your choice:
- How is the land used in a respectful way to maintain a balance with living things?
Press ‘Possible Answer’ to access an example of respecting the land.
Members of the Kitchinuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation describe their connection to the land through the generations of family members who have lived there, as well as by valuing the natural sources of water and native plant species that are used for medicine.
Did You Know?
Traditional ecological knowledge
Indigenous communities have a great understanding of their local environment as they have lived off, and learned from, the land for generations. The knowledge that derives from this understanding is called Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
Indigenous peoples have always observed the changes in their environments and through observations, responded in ways that aim to protect the Earth for future generations.
Many First Nations communities have begun working alongside western scientists to help protect their natural environments. Western science has only recently begun to work with Indigenous science. For many years, Indigenous ways of knowing were not treated fairly or equally to Western understandings.
Today, western scientists are more open to learning from and working with Indigenous scientists, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to build better relationships and future for the environment, especially with the threats brought forth by climate change.
The Sahtu Dene of Great Bear Lake
The Sahtu Dene live on Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories. Working with Fisheries Canada, together they are ensuring that the population of lake trout will sustain the Sahtu Dene for years to come.
Explore the following Striking Balance video entitled “Tsa Tue Biosphere Reserve” to learn from Sahtu Dene elder Alfred Taneton about the importance of protecting the community’s source of fresh, unpolluted water.
The “miracle” of this fresh water and the importance of respecting it comes from traditional ecological knowledge held by members of the Sahtu Dene First Nation. The community believe a powerful force lives below the water named Tudze, the water heart of Sahtu, is responsible for generating and sustaining this fresh water source.
Explore the following Striking Balance video clip to learn more about the Sahtu Dene story of Tudze, the Water Heart of Sahtu.
What are three ways the Sahtu Dene honour their community’s source of fresh water?
Record your answer using a method of your choice.
Pause and Reflect
Traditional knowledge
- How might the knowledge shared in these videos assist you in thinking about the ways you can protect the waters and the trees?
- What role do you think you have to play in protecting the Earth for future generations?
Record your ideas using a method of your choice.
Consolidation
I can help the environment, too!
All people should work to protect the natural habitats they live in. Think back to the Minds On section at the beginning of this lesson and the importance trees have in people’s lives.
Brainstorm
Protecting the environment
Brainstorm a list of some ways people can help protect the natural environment in a particular setting (i.e. urban, rural, suburban).
Record your brainstorm using a method of your choice.
Here are a few things people can do to save trees in the environment:
- use less paper
- buy products made from recycled paper
- use cloth products versus paper products when possible
- inform others about the importance of trees on social media
- volunteer to plant trees
- turn trash into toys – create toys out of paper and cardboard that is being thrown away
- read a book about trees
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.