Land Acknowledgment & Reconciliation
Honoring the Semiahmoo First Nations
We acknowledge with deep respect that Kids In Nature Forest School operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Semiahmoo First Nations.
The Semiahmoo people have been the guardians and stewards of these lands and waters for thousands of years, long before the establishment of our forest school. Their profound knowledge of the natural world, sustainable living practices, and deep spiritual connection to the land forms the foundation upon which we seek to build our educational philosophy.
We recognize that our forest school exists because of the ongoing relationship between the Semiahmoo people and their traditional territory. We are committed to learning from and with Indigenous knowledge holders as we guide children in developing their own connections to the natural world.
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
Truth and Reconciliation in Forest Education
We are committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action within our forest school framework. We recognize that true reconciliation requires ongoing action, education, and relationship-building that extends beyond acknowledgment.
Active Steps We Take:
- Indigenous Knowledge Integration: We incorporate traditional ecological knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing into our curriculum, always with appropriate permissions and guidance from Semiahmoo knowledge keepers.
- Land-Based Learning: Our programs emphasize the Indigenous principle that the land is our first teacher, fostering deep respect for all living beings and natural systems.
- Language Recognition: We acknowledge and honor the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language of the Semiahmoo people and incorporate Indigenous place names when appropriate.
- Ceremony and Protocol: We follow Indigenous protocols for land use and seek guidance on appropriate ways to honor the territory during our programs.
- Community Relationships: We actively work to build respectful relationships with Semiahmoo First Nations members and seek opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Forest School Through an Indigenous Lens
Seven Grandfather Teachings in Practice
We integrate Indigenous values into our daily forest school activities:
- Respect: For all living beings, the land, and each other
- Wisdom: Learning from the natural world and Indigenous knowledge
- Love: Caring for the earth and all its inhabitants
- Courage: Standing up for the environment and Indigenous rights
- Honesty: Truthful acknowledgment of colonial history and its impacts
- Humility: Recognizing our place within the web of life
- Truth: Sharing accurate history and contemporary Indigenous experiences
Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Rights
As environmental professionals and educators, we recognize that Indigenous peoples are the original environmental stewards and that Indigenous rights and environmental protection are inherently connected. Our forest school programming includes:
- Teaching children about the ongoing impacts of colonization on both Indigenous peoples and the environment
- Highlighting Indigenous-led environmental protection and restoration efforts
- Understanding that caring for the land means supporting Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination
- Learning about traditional ecological practices that have sustained these lands for millennia
Ongoing Learning and Accountability
Our Commitment to Growth
We acknowledge that reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning, self-reflection, and action. We commit to:
- Regular staff training on Indigenous history, rights, and contemporary issues
- Seeking guidance from Indigenous educators and knowledge keepers
- Evaluating and improving our practices based on Indigenous feedback
- Supporting Indigenous-led environmental and educational initiatives
- Teaching children to be allies and advocates for Indigenous rights
- Annually reviewing and updating our reconciliation practices
Partnership and Collaboration
We seek meaningful partnership with the Semiahmoo First Nations and other Indigenous communities. We understand that authentic relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual benefit. We are committed to:
- Sharing a portion of our program revenues with Semiahmoo First Nations initiatives
- Prioritizing Indigenous-owned businesses for our supply needs
- Creating opportunities for Semiahmoo knowledge keepers to share with our forest school community
- Supporting land back initiatives and Indigenous sovereignty
- Amplifying Indigenous voices in environmental and educational discussions