"[Kids need] more science based understanding of the local forest to be interwoven with the traditional Elder knowledge and First Nation perspective. In the end my class learned a bunch about forestry and their interconnection to the forest." - Yukon Teacher, 2019 (pilot program development) - The Forest Management Board (FMB) approached Rivers to Ridges in August 2018 to develop an Activity Plan (series of connected lessons/activities supporting understanding on a topic) and supporting resources for grade 5 students, as well as recommendations for future resource development for educators across Yukon.
Using information and guidance gathered from meetings with educators, curriculum consultants, specialists, and Knowledge Keepers, Rivers to Ridges developed and piloted an Activity Plan focused on Yukon forestry perspectives and decision-making. This Activity Plan promotes student connection to, and understanding of, how Yukon's forest resources are part of their everyday lives and also introduces students to how forest resources are managed.
Guiding principles
First Nations culture and language integration
Yukon-specific content
Yukon-wide relevance
Personal connection to forestry
Stewardship and responsible management
Over the course of this project, Rivers to Ridges reached out to over 30 educators, local specialists and Knowledge Keepers across the Yukon, piloted the Activity Plan to over 80 students participants from three Yukon communities throughout five in-school sessions, and gathered feedback from seven educators from across Yukon (Appendix 2).
In addition to the final Activity Plan, Rivers to Ridges has also compiled and reviewed feedback gathered from educators, foresters, students and visitors throughout the development of the Activity Plan. Based on this input, Rivers to Ridges has made 11 key recommendations in the areas of engaging educators with resources and future resource development.