Nanaimo students learn about northern Indigenous culture through sport
NANAIMO — Students took it to the mat in the 2017 Northern Games, but not for the traditional sports you might expect.
Sixty-eight students from host John Barsby, Nanaimo District, Cedar and Ladysmith Secondary School all took part in games such as the knuckle hop and one foot high jump Thursday to learn about northern Indigenous culture and history.
John Barsby’s Indigenous studies teacher Donna Flett said it’s a more effective way to teach.
“It’s something that everyone can enjoy and learn about,” she said. “And you learn so much more about the people because of learning about the sport. They realize that Indigenous culture and sport is not just for Indigenous people.”