Tansi. My name is Pearleen Kanewopasikot (Askiytakiw Piyesiw Iskwew). I am Cree–Anishinaabe from Little Pine First Nation in Treaty Six Territory, Saskatchewan. Our people are known as the River People, as our community resides along the Battle River. Little Pine First Nation is situated in a valley beside Poundmaker First Nation and has a population of approximately 2,400 members, with about half living on reserve.
Our community school serves PreK–12 students, with approximately 250 learners. We are proud to teach Cree language and culture as an integral part of our education system. For the past three years, our school has partnered with EcoSchools Canada, and we are recognized as a certified Ecoschool. Our outdoor education plan is housed within this framework, and teachers are encouraged to include land-based and cultural learning activities in their yearly plans.
I hold a Master’s degree in Land-Based Education from the University of Saskatchewan. I have always been deeply immersed in our cultural traditions, and I remain passionate about integrating Indigenous ways of knowing and being into educational pedagogy. My work focuses on reconnecting youth to the land through land stewardship, cultural teachings, and experiential learning.
I am also blessed to share this journey with my granddaughter, who joins me in cultural and land-based learning. Working with students on the land brings me great joy and purpose. Now more than ever, it is important to rekindle and strengthen the relationship between youth and the land. When young people develop a strong sense of identity, belonging, and place, they are better prepared to walk confidently in their lives.