Recently, Water First visited Rama Elementary to spend three days delivering water science workshops with students in Grades 10-12.
Instructors Dillon and Tanya from Water First had this to say about their time in Rama:
While the programming was great, as it always is when we visit Rama, it was being in a community this active and committed that made the week so memorable.
On day two of programming, while working on a garbage cleanup along Sucker Creek, we happened upon David Hawke, a well-known environmentalist that the community had invited for Earth Day. David was sharing his knowledge about phragmites, a local invasive species that the learners had just talked about in workshops the day before. He and the community members he was with welcomed our group to join them – it was a treat for all!
Later that day, our group met with Ben Benson, a community member, environmentalist and cultural educator. Gathered around a fire, Ben shared medicines, teachings, and his own life’s story.
On the final day of programming, Elder and cultural teacher Fay McKenzie met the group on the shores of Lake Couchiching and led us through a water ceremony, songs, and stories.
And then there was Atom, a learner and member of the Turtle Clan. At the end of the day’s workshops, he and the classroom teacher carried a young snapping turtle in a box down to the wetland. We watched as Atom released it back into the wetland the class had been working in earlier that day. You could never plan something like that, but it was the perfect end to Earth Day.
At the end of such a fulfilling week together, we left feeling happy, lucky, and grateful for the dedication, enthusiasm, and generosity of everyone we spent the week with. We can’t wait to be back in Rama this summer, and for the learning to continue.
