Book review: Renewal: Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education In and Beyond the Classroom
By Kelly Crawford
Renewal: Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education In and Beyond the Classroom is an insightful guide that aims to springboard Indigenous perspectives and philosophies of land-based education into professional practice. It provides clear action steps for the classroom. It aims to encourage and support educators in becoming more holistic educators by demonstrating a true understanding of land-based education. Authors Christine M’Lot and Kata Adamov Ferguson creatively compiled unique perspectives of education on Indigenous lands. They were supported by land-based education consultant and reviewer, Dr. Brain Rice.
“The overarching goal of Renewal is to support educators in integrating Indigenous land-based pedagogies in both the classroom and outdoor settings. As we, an experienced Indigenous educator and non-Indigenous educator, are not experts in land-based education, we walk alongside you in this learning.” (M’Lot, Fergusson)
The book is organized into four parts: Knowing, Being, Doing, and Becoming. The book follows the Footbridge Framework, which was first introduced in the duo’s first volume entitled Resurgence. This framework includes Educator and Classroom Connections sections that support each text while providing steps to bridge the gap between classrooms and Indigenous worldviews. “The Connecting to Land-Based Learning and Connecting to Land Back sections (which are new to Renewal) provide ideas that encourage students to actively engage to land removals, colonial land claims, and the restoration of relationship with land.” (M’Lot, Fergusson) The work continues to be guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, taking the next step from the first book, Resurgence.
“In this collaborative project, we treat each piece as a ‘living text’ that acts as a springboard for engaging with Indigenous voices and pedagogies.” (M’Lot, Fergusson)
The 16 contributors come from many different Nations, bringing forward essays, poems, and artwork for vital engagement. Educators are supported by a useful chart that provides suggested learning levels (K-12) and connected concepts. Each contribution includes educator connections and classroom connections. The educator connections weave personal connections and educator inquiry with a focus on action. Classroom connections include connected concepts, connection to community with prompts for learning circles, connections to land-based learning, connection to land back, and connection to additional Indigenous resources. The book celebrates land-based education as a way of learning, doing, and acting towards a clear advancement of truth and reconciliation.
The book finds its foundation built through collaboration and inclusion of various Indigenous voices. It emphasizes the realization that land-based learning is about education on the land, about the land, and from the land. Encouraging educators to be open to connecting to self, classroom, and community by embracing the Indigenous view of land-based learning through different mediums and experiences. The book aims to encourage educators to find true, respectful individual relationships with land, engage with students on the land, and guide students through active engagement. Renewal: Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education In and Beyond the Classroom challenges and supports educators to understand historic injustices, engage in Land Back movement, and honour diverse ways of knowing and being.
Educators of all ages and experiences with land-based education can find many benefits in this valuable resource. It provides a deep understanding of what land-based education really is, in addition to encouraging educators to go further on the continuum of their journey in land-based education, connection to land, and truth and reconciliation.
Christine M’Lot and Katya Adamov Ferguson (Eds.), Renewal: Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education In and Beyond the Classroom. Winnipeg: Portage and Main Press, 2025.
ISBN: 9781774921678