Nestled among the picturesque landscapes of Sioux Narrows Provincial Park, St. Thomas Aquinas High School has been fostering a unique Outdoor Experience for its students for years through a unique aspect of the Northern Studies Program. First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Coordinator, Shelly Tom, organizes an annual Guided Fishing Trip for PAD10 students, inviting them to explore the rich customs and traditions of the FNMI.
In the pre-COVID era, students embarked on a journey that went beyond textbooks and classrooms, camping overnight and setting the stage for an adventure that merged education with cultural immersion. Guided by members of the Whitefish Bay First Nation, students were picked up by boat, setting sail for a day of fishing on the pristine waters.
However, with the retirement of the seasoned guides, this year saw a change. Totem/Yellowbird Resorts stepped in to cater to the students' guided fishing experience. Shelly Tom also curated a unique addition to the trip, bringing in Jyles Copenace, a member of Noatkamegwanning Ojibway Nation, to showcase his trained hawks and falcons—a captivating intersection of the outdoor and cultural experience.
The significance of these trips extends far beyond catching fish. Shelly emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness—the rituals of offering tobacco before venturing onto the water, expressing gratitude for the waterway, ensuring safe travel, and acknowledging the sacrifice of the fish that make the Shore Lunch possible. Students learn not only the art of fishing but also the customs and traditions that have shaped FNMI People.
Offered whenever the High School runs PAD10, the Guided Fishing Trip caters to enrolled students, providing an experiential learning opportunity that instills respect for the land, water, guides, teachers, and each other. Skills like patience, cooperation, and active listening are honed, fostering an environment where cultural teachings take center stage.
As for the future, Shelly envisions a continuation of these transformative experiences. Students will have the chance to dive into similar cultural explorations, with the possibility of a "medicine walk" on the horizon. Shelly notes the uniqueness of their program, standing out as one of the only school boards in Ontario that takes students on a Guided Fishing Experience, showcasing the commitment of the Kenora Catholic District School Board to holistic education.
Through the laughter and excitement that reverberates when students return from their boat rides and fishing adventures, a deeper connection to the Northern wilderness is forged. For many, it's a first-time experience, a journey of discovery that goes beyond the thrill of catching fish—it's a testament to the power of education that transcends traditional boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on each student's heart and mind, that they carry with them long after they graduate.
