Draw a Path on Rematriated Land

OVERVIEW:

Imagine a walk along a path on rematriated land. Describe what you experience on this path and the possibilities of being on returned land that is stewarded by Indigenous communities.

FACILITATOR NOTE: This activity can be facilitated during or after land-based visits to intentionally reflect on the experience, impact, and possibilities of being in relation to land.

OBJECTIVES

• Intentionally observing with all senses what it is like to be on and in relation to land

• Understanding the importance of deepening relationships to land

• Sharing stories of our experiences being on land that has been returned to Indigenous stewardship

SUGGESTED SUPPLIES

• Drawing paper

• Drawing materials

• Clipboards

STEP-BY-STEP FACILITATION GUIDE

Take participants on an intentional visit to a place. This can be a place that is common or known to participants or perhaps significant to your local community, such as a site of land resistance or land return.

While at this place, ask participants to intentionally observe their surroundings. After some independent time for observation, ask participants to share what they can see, hear, hear, taste, and taste at this place in pairs or as one group.

Following this verbal share-back, ask participants to draw a path and note their observations. Encourage them to consider how they feel, what they remember, and the future of this place in their drawing.