A Walk in the Wilderness Exhibition Welcomes over 1000 visitors celebrating children’s potential
In 2021, Kenora Catholic launched an Early Years Community Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at celebrating the extraordinary potential and ideas of our youngest community members. This project focused on a holistic approach to education by uniting Early Years community partners and families in a collaborative effort focused on fostering meaningful relationships.
Engaging over 50 educators from seven diverse Early Years organizations, the project incorporated childcare and Kindergarten classes in outdoor explorations to ignite their imaginations and creative thinking.
A pivotal aspect of this initiative was its integration of local Indigenous perspectives, which highlight a mutual and familial connection with nature. This approach, valuing an enduring relationship with nature, stood in contrast to Western notions of control or guardianship over the environment. Nature and the land became vital elements for exploration, inquiry, and relationship-building, especially critical in addressing our current ecological challenges.
The project, aptly titled 'A Walk in the Wilderness,' encouraged groups, classes, and families to immerse themselves in nature, sparking their curiosity about various aspects of the natural world. This exploration utilized 'the 100 languages' concept, which enabled participants to express and deepen their understanding of their discoveries.
“The artwork and vision of our youngest children are at the heart of this event," expressed Marnie Buffett, Early Years Coordinator. "Through their creative expressions, we see a unique interpretation of the world around us. This exhibition is more than just a display of talent; it's a celebration that brings families and the wider community together. It highlights the rich potential of our youngest learners, demonstrating how their insights can unite us in appreciation and wonder. In celebrating their perspectives, we're not only acknowledging their abilities but also fostering a sense of connection and shared joy in the journey of learning and exploration.”
These outdoor adventures culminated in a community exhibit, open to everyone. The project aimed to nurture a community-wide approach to education, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and support among the wider community for its children and families. This initiative expanded its reach beyond family members, encouraging a shift in mindset towards considering the entire community as stakeholders in the education of our youngest learners, recognizing them as the community's future.
The project's impact was unmistakably highlighted during the culmination celebration last June at the Lake of the Woods Museum and Art Centre, which attracted a record-breaking attendance of over 1000 visitors in three days. This turnout reflected a community deeply invested in nurturing its children, acknowledging their inherent potential and capacity to be future change-makers.
