Good afternoon, I have a 32…

Good afternoon,

I have a 32 year teaching and leading career in Ontario, as well as working with the Ministry of Education in Toronto, developing and teaching courses for pre and in-service educators at a post secondary institution, and engaging in meaningful research collaborations and publications that nurture a healthy relationship with the environment (research that has been shared nationally and internationally). My comments speak to what I've noticed with these many perspectives, and strategies that have a lasting impact.

1. Ministry documents need to begin with the voice of the child – its strength and truth.
For example in this Statement of Environmental Values document, a photo of a very young child in a moment of honest relationship as they observe in awe and connect with a huge tree is a visual of how we all, across the globe and over time, co-exist as organically-integrated, dynamic and integral parts of the environment.
Then, a primary child talking about their intimate and personal, whole-self relationship with environment (with trees, with water, with the animals) with emotionality. (NOTE: This is natural for our Indigenous children and communities and a perfect place to draw connections to all other Min of Ed curriculum documents.)
Then, the words of a youth perhaps speaking as an advocate for their own personal experience with nature and how it makes them feel (mental health connections).
And finally, a quote from an Elder that speaks to generational wisdom, historical perspective and a lived traditional relationship with the land.
2. Throughout the values document include timeless quotes from Canadian poets/artists (spoken word, young students, artists) perhaps who capture the essence of our relationship with the environment and how fragile it is (perhaps older quotes also from the past that resonate timelessly).
3. Interconnectedness needs to be emphasized. We live with, and are organically part of, the land/water/air – and it flows through our very being. It is a reciprocal and co-dependent relationship. The relationship is long-term and lasting – a vision supported by solid (unwavering) core values.
The preface must remind us of this critical understanding, and then this is woven throughout the Statement of Environmental Values document (as well as integrated in each and every curriculum document!). It is this conceptual understanding that would be a lens through which to study geography, history, civics, English etc. and to critically analyze how, when we move away from this traditional land-based relationship, power and greed set us off balance and we no longer recognize a mutual co-existence and see ourselves as caretakers only.
Thank you for the opportunity to offer input/feedback. This document is critical to the foundation of all other curriculum documents and could be the infrastructure to impact at an unprecedented pace - a scale that is urgent and with a lasting ripple effect.