"Survival and Navigation" theme header shows an Anishinaabe man walking with a bear pelt

ETHNOBOTANY: WILD PLANTS AT FORT WILLIAM

Explore the connections between Anishinaabe culture and the natural environment. Learn about the important roles of plants in medicine, religious ceremonies, food, and shelter. Discover Indigenous perspectives on nature, biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Curriculum Links: Indigenous Studies, Science & Technology
Grade Suitability: 9+
Availability: September to November, January to June
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $6 per student

FURS OF THE FUR TRADE

Discover the animals that were important to the fur trade from the perspectives of the North West Company’s fur traders and the Anishinaabe hunters and trappers. Learn which furs were valued for fashion or winter survival, and why. Examine the skulls of these animals to learn about their anatomy, behaviours, diets, and habitats!

Curriculum Links: Science & Technology, Social Studies, History & Geography
Grade Suitability: Virtual – JK-3, in-person – 2+
Availability: Virtual – year-round, in-person – September to June
Length: 1 hour
Cost (+HST): $120 per class (virtual), $6 per student (in-person)

GPS SCAVENGER HUNT: HISTORY OR ECOLOGY THEME

Get introduced to Global Positioning System (GPS) and take on a field challenge. Using the provided GPS units, each team must locate waypoints, avoid decoys and correctly answer clues to complete the challenge.

Curriculum Links: Science & Technology
Grade Suitability: 3+
Availability: September to June
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $6 per student

MUSKETS & CANNONS

Students will learn about the role of black powder firearms in early Canada, learn how to collaboratively and safely discharge a cannon, and try firing a flintlock musket. Please note, participants must be 13 or older to fire a cannon or musket.

Curriculum Links: Science & Technology, Social Studies, History & Geography
Grade Suitability: 6+
Availability: September to October, May to June
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $6 per student