Nurturing the SpiritSocial, Emotional, and Physical Well Being

About this Resource

The inspiration for this curriculum came from earlier life skills curriculums named, American Indian Life Skills (La Framboise, 1996) and The Loomsk (Respect) Project (Prince Rupert SD) and out of a necessity to address the prevalence of teen suicide in the north.

Nurturing the Spirit was born from a partnership between the Coast Mountains School District and the Gitksan Wet’suwet’en Education Society.

Funding for this project: The Ministry of Child and Family Services.

Authors: Kirsten Barnes (GWES) & Virginia Morgan (CMSD #82)

About the Name

The logo, designed by Virginia Morgan, represents the nurturing spirit of the curriculum. “Copper Hair Woman,”or We’gyet’s Wife represents Mother Earth’s nurturing qualities, her wisdom, and her love for all living things.

The four clans are represented by their respective crest (Wolf, Frog, Fireweed, & Eagle).

•The purpose of this curriculum is to “nurture” the healthy development

of the entire being.

•Nurturing the Spirit was chosen because it

embodies the holistic nature of Aboriginal

education.

•Nurturing the Spirit is more than a suicide

prevention curriculum. Rather, it encourages educators to infuse

Aboriginal knowledge and ways of knowing across

the curriculum in fun and culturally relevant ways inspiring pride in their

students.

Section #1: Who Am I? Building Self-Esteem & Community

Bear was chosen to represent this section because Bear shares many human traits and is introspective.

Bear represents strength, solitude, learned humility, welcome and friendship.

Students learn: the importance of building a strong sense of self, a healthy cultural identity, and community in the classroom. “Bear”

The 7 Sacred TeachingsLesson 1.8

•The student will demonstrate an understanding of the universal Seven Sacred Teachings and how the Teachings can be applied to their daily lives. •The student will use written and oral

forms of expression to identify examples of the Seven Sacred Teachings found in practice within their school and community. •The student will build their confidence through the development of their oral presentation skills.

Section #2: What Am I Feeling? Recognizing & Talking About Feelings

We’gyet’s Wife was chosen for this section because she represents wisdom and inner-knowing.

We’gyet’s Wife is intelligent, loving, and humble.

Students learn: the importance of recognizing and expressing their feelings in a healthy way.

“We’gyet’s Wife”

Recognizing Emotions

Lesson 2.1•The student will learn to recognize emotions, discuss emotions as a class, and learn to deal with emotions effectively.

•Class discussion can be done as a “Think, Pair, Share” activity.

•Students will imagine what these emotions look, sound, and feel like.

•Free-write to music. Creation of feelings poems.

Section #3: How Do I Communicate? Effective Communication & Problem

Solving

Hummingbird was chosen to represent this section because Hummingbird is the spirit messenger.

Hummingbird is the embodiment of love, beauty, and intelligence. If you whisper a wish to Hummingbird, she will carry your wish to the Creator.

Students learn: to communicate with others, express their emotions in a concrete way, and develop strategies for solving problems.

“Hummingbird”

Achieving & Maintaining BalanceLesson 3.3

Balance is the basic need for survival, fun, freedom, and mystery.

Students create a poster with personal pictures, demonstrating how balance is created in a person’s life focusing on: Abilities, strengths, personal gifts and experiences.

Section #4: What is Self-Destructive Behavior?

Recognize & Eliminate Self-Destructive Behavior

We’gyet the Trickster was chosen to represent this section because he is the embodiment of bad decisions and big mistakes.

The Gitxsan stories of the “Big Man” always end with a moral that teaches the young to learn from We’gyet’s mistakes.

Students learn: to recognize self-destructive behavior and ways to eliminate it. “We’gyet”

We’g

yet W

an

ders

On

Lesso

n 4

.1

“We’gyet makes mistakes so we don’t have to.”

•The student will learn to recognize self-destructive behaviors and how to eliminate them.

•The student will learn the important role that storytelling plays in the educational structures of the Gitxsan Nation.

•The student will learn to address their self-destructive behaviors through the creation of didactic stories.

Section #5: Why Do People Attempt Suicide?

Recognize & Eliminate Suicidal Behavior

Otter was chosen to represent this section because Otter is the embodiment of balance.

Otter is inquisitive, trusting and loyal. It is believed that when humans experience sadness, depression, and harbour thoughts of suicide, it is because their inner harmony is off balance.

Students learn: to differentiate between fact and fiction about suicide, recognize warnings signs of suicide, and ways to eliminate suicidal behavior. “Otter”

Darkness Calls Lesson 5.1Recognize and prevent youth suicide

•The student will learn about conflict resolution, putting problems into perspective, and coping skills for dealing with stress and/or depression.

•The student will gain an appreciation for the Gitxsan Language and the important role that storytelling plays in the Gitxsan society.

Section #6: How Can I Help A Friend Who Is Thinking About Suicide?

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide

Frog was chosen to represent this section because Frog is the embodiment of stability and friendship.

Frog is a pleasant and affable communicator who cleanses the earth and brings new life.

Students learn: to recognize the warning signs of suicide in others and how to help friends who may be thinking about suicide. “Frog”

The Night WandererLesson 6.2

A Native Gothic Novel By Drew Hayden Taylor

•The student will learn to recognize the signs of suicide in others and develop the skills necessary to help friends who may be thinking about suicide.

Why The Night Wanderer?

Literacy is important and this book includes important themes: Control over emotions, suicide awareness, Windigo (Trickster), Interracial dating, Trust, Secrets & Lies, Role of Language and Culture.

What’s It About?

A sleepy First Nations reservation. A troubled teen girl. A vampire returns

home.A mesmerizing blend of Gothic thriller and coming-of-age novel, The Night

Wanderer is unlike any other vampire story.

Section #7: Grieving Processes & Spirituality

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

Raven was chosen to represent this section because Raven is the bringer of light.

Raven is the catalyst of change and the keeper of knowledge and spirituality.

Students learn: the process of grief and ways to incorporate spirituality into their healing processes.

“Raven”

Grieving Processes Lesson 7.2

•Students and teacher create a memory tree.

•Choose their favorite color ribbon, write their loved one’s name on the ribbon, and tie the ribbon to a chosen tree.

•Student may choose to have silent time in memory of their loved one.

•Student may want to share a precious memory.

How can we remember a loved one and share grief within the

school setting?

Grieving Processes Lesson 7.2

Students create a Memory Poem in honor of their loved one and plant a flower in the class garden.

Section #8: Moving ForwardWorking Toward A Healthy Lifestyle

Killer Whale was chosen to represent this section because Killer Whale is the traveler.

Killer Whale is the guardian of knowledge, record keeper, and a symbol for good.

Students learn: to recognize and employ healthy living strategies. “Killer

Whale”

Back to the Land

Lesson 8.3Students will demonstrate an understanding of the skills needed to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• In late Spring and Fall, take students out and identify plants.

• Students create a poster with drawing of plant.

• Poster also has information about traditional uses.

• Students will also have the opportunity to dry plants, make teas, as well as salves

Students recognize the importance of respect for the

land and sustainability.

Students get to eat the fruits of

their labor.

Nurturing the Spirit Certificate of Completion

Presented To

In Recognition Of

Date

Signed