Continuum: Spirit of the Northwest Coast

Although teachers embrace the common practice of multiculturalism, perhaps it is

important that we do not overcompensate and accept unquestioningly the value of
strong multicultural contexts. Is it possible for our modern culture to adapt practices
that help us to develop closer emotional connections with our place?

I feel it would be beneficial to establish some unifying elements that are
representative of a collective identity for people in BC. There needs to be a common
public culture that unites diversity in relationships of mutual support and obligation.
For example, children need to unite with the land and feel less divided if there is any
hope to a future of environmental preservation in B.C.

This land needs to be protected as our land; it is ours to defend from multinational
resource extraction corporations. Our own present day disassociations will never
build the relationships of trust, honor, and respect that are appropriate for the well-
being and continuance of all the people and, as importantly, define the rights of
ownership over land, sea and resources that we need to have within our province.

Education that has an intimate and long term involvement in our local heritage
can be a crucial tool and source of knowledge for long-term sustainability and
resource conservation. This can be found in art and science education with TEKW
(Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Wisdom), IK (Indigenous Knowledge) and
Northwest Coast Art.

Faculty of Education
2125 Main Mall,
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 , Canada
Tel: 604-822-5242
Professional Development & Community Engagement
1304 2125 Main Mall,
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
Tel: 604-822-2013
Email: pdce.educ@ubc.ca