wiimbaamitigoogshiing-program-
About the Program:
In the Ojibway language the name wiimbaamitigoogshiing (weem-baa-mittuh-goke-sheen) translates into 鈥渢he place of the hollowed out trees鈥�. Mitigoog (trees) are considered by the Anishinaabek (Ojibway) to be 鈥楨lders鈥� as they grow to be very old with their roots extending down into the ground and their branches reaching up to the sky world. For the Anishinaabek, knowledge comes from the land, the sky, the universe and all of creation. When very old trees become hollowed out they are considered to be very special with the ability to impart the sacred knowledge of how to live our lives in balance with each other and with the land.
This land-based program centers Indigenous knowledge systems and epistemologies embodying the tenets of culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy of high expectations, cultural competence and critical consciousness.
Offered on a semester basis, students will have the opportunity to learn alongside Indigenous Elders and cultural teachers while being out on the land and immersed in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway language).
This program affirms our commitment to addressing ongoing impacts of colonialism as outlined in our system goals and is specifically aimed at addressing and responding to systemic barriers experienced by Indigenous and Black students by offering curriculum centered in culturally affirming learning. To access our 2022 Census data regarding outcomes for students CLICK HERE.
Examples of curriculum connected activities may include:
- Ecological knowledge by learning traditional names of plants, roots and trees and their practical and medicinal uses
- Traditional carving and working with natural elements to make birch bark baskets, canoe building, drum making, snowshoes, and moccasins are just a few examples of possible projects
- Traditional artworks such as quillwork and beadwork
- Customary practices such as the sweat lodge and other ceremonies
- Learning about the significance of song, dance and regalia
- Seasonal activities such as harvesting maple water and using traditional methods to process into maple syrup and maple sugar
- Astronomical knowledge about celestial cycles and how these govern our roles and responsibilities on the land
- Sustainable practices such gardening and living off the land
- Learning about Indigenous governing systems as well history of the land
Program Credits:
Secondary students can enrol in one or more semesters, based on space and availability. Each semester the program will offer a 4-credit package. Students will need to select which credit package they would like to enroll in based on the required prerequisites for each course offered in the package. To view the details of the three options available CLICK HERE.
As this program centers the learner, programming and any additional credits (e.g. credit recovery) offered will be determined based on the credit needs of students applying and scheduling.
Program Time:
Program will run from 9:30am to 3:15pm
Site Locations:
This program will run through two locations:
Silvercreek Outdoor Education Centre (13500 Fallbrook Trail, Georgetown)
St. Dunstan (1525 Cuthbert Ave. Mississauga)
Details will be provided upon acceptance into the program with a schedule outlining the days learning will take place at each site. The majority of the time will take place at Silvercreek.
Transportation:
Transportation will be provided via taxi.
Application for program:
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are due June 6 2025. Students can indicate which semester (or both) they wish to apply for.
Applicants are encouraged to work with their guidance counselor to complete the application here: https://forms.office.com/r/nCsHHRmFMq
Before beginning please note that you will need the following information:
- Name and email address of one staff member at your school who can speak to your application as a reference
- Parent/guardian contact information including their email address
- Credit counseling summary report (this can be uploaded directly with the application)
- Contact information of the guidance counselor assisting with application, including their email address
Priority will be given to those closest to graduation.
Inquiries about the program can be directed to: jodie.williams@dpcdsb.org