Session 3

Session 3: Understanding Aboriginal Children and Their Families

 

Learning Activity 2: A Holistic Perspective—Aboriginal Wellness Wheel

 

The Aboriginal Wellness Wheel story conveys important cultural information. For most Aboriginal peoples, the number four has a special significance. For example, there are four of each of the following:

• sacred medicines—tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and cedar
• seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall
• elements—earth, wind, fire, and water
• elements for human beings—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual
• stages of life—childhood, youth, adulthood, and life as an Elder
• clans represented by animals—turtle, eagle, fish, and bear

The Aboriginal Wellness Wheel is in the shape of a circle—it has no beginning or ending, and all people play a part.
In the circle, all are equal and must be respected.

 

Focus

 

This learning activity provides the opportunity for you to gain an understanding of the holistic views of
Aboriginal peoples and to identify ways you can use your understandings as a child care provider.

 

This is a two-part learning activity. In Part 1 you will create an Aboriginal Wellness Wheel mobile that includes the four main colors, the four directions, the four human elements or dimensions, and Mother Earth and Father Sky.
In Part 2 you will investigate the use of the Aboriginal Wellness Wheel in relation to the three main groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada—First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

 

Directions

 

Part 1

 

Before beginning the project you will need to collect the following supplies:

• crayons, markers, or paint
• a single brad to attach Father Sky to the Wellness Wheel
• scissors
• glue or a glue stick
• tape
• string or thread
• poster board or some other lightweight cardboard, such as cereal boxes
• a compass, awl, or thick needle for making holes
• the Aboriginal Wellness Wheel Template

 

Aboriginal Wellness Wheel Instructions

 

Step 1: Print the Aboriginal Wellness Wheel Template.

 

Step 2: Colour the parts of the template according to the instructions on the template:

• Father Sky in blue

• Mother Earth in green (this is the circle in the centre of the Wellness Wheel)

• Wellness Wheel quadrants in red, yellow, black, and white

• feathers in yellow, red, black, and white—you may choose to use either four or eight feathers
  

Step 3: Cut out the template parts. It is all right if your edges are rough; you will cut the edges more smoothly later.

 

Step 4: Glue the template parts onto poster board or cardboard.

 

Step 5: Once the glue has set, cut neatly around the template parts.

 

Step 6: Punch or poke holes in the places marked on the template parts as follows:

• Father Sky—one hole in the centre and four (or eight) holes near the outer edge of the disk

• Wellness Wheel and Mother Earth—one hole in the centre of the disk

• feathers—one hole in the quill of each feather you use

 

Step 7: Place the Father Sky disk underneath the Wellness Wheel/Mother Earth disk.

 

Step 8: Insert the brad through the two centre holes, and then open and flatten the brad on the underside to fasten Father Sky to the Wellness Wheel.

 

 

Step 9: Cut four or eight lengths of string or thread, each about 10 cm long. You will need one piece of string for each feather.

 

Step 10: Thread and tie one end of each piece of string through the hole in each feather.

 

Step 11: Arrange the feathers according to the north, south, east, and west quadrants of the Wellness Wheel. Thread and tie the remaining ends of the strings through the holes in the Father Sky disk. You may also use tape to secure the ends.

 

 

Step 12: For each direction on the Wellness Wheel, indicate the human element or dimension it represents—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. For each element or dimension, brainstorm words or phrases that represent what you do to ensure your needs are being met and self-growth is being promoted. Write the words or phrases onto the appropriate element or dimension on the Wellness Wheel.

 

Step 13: To display your Wellness Wheel, you may attach another length of string or thread to the ends of the brad on the back of the wheel, or you might pin or tack the Wellness Wheel to a frame or wall board.

 

Step 14: Read the article “Aboriginal Children: The Healing Power of Cultural Identity.” As you read the article, consider the following questions:

• Why is it important to understand cultural identity?
  
• Why do Elders play a critical role with cultural identity?

For each of the corresponding feathers, brainstorm words or phrases that represent what you could do or are doing to meet the needs of Aboriginal children and promote the cultural identity of Aboriginal children.

 

Part 2

 

Step 15: Using the Internet or other sources—for example, Aboriginal people, books, storytelling, and so on—investigate the understandings and uses of the Aboriginal Wellness Wheel in diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

 

Step 16: Complete Learning Activity 2: A Holistic Perspective—Aboriginal Wellness Wheel.

 

Step 17: Review the Student Rubric for Learning Activity 2: A Holistic Perspective—Aboriginal Wellness Wheel. Assess the quality of your work and make any necessary adjustments.

 

Checking In

 

Save your completed learning activity and your self-assessment in your course folder.

 

If possible, take digital photographs of your Wellness Wheel and save the photographs to your course folder. If you are unable to take photographs, talk to your teacher about how you should submit your Wellness Wheel.

CCS3140 Learn EveryWare © 2011 Alberta Education