Journal Writing: Sample – Talking Together

Journal Writing Sample: Connection to Land

Total Time: Approx. 1 to 3 hours

Suitable for: Independent Activity | Group Activity

For information on how to write a journal or blog, see Fact Sheet: Journal Writing

Journal writing can be adapted for use with any topic area.

Participants use journal writing to develop a holistic (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) understanding of the Inuit, Métis and First Nation peoples’ connection to land.

Journal Entry 1

Before writing in your journal, move through the screens in the Beginning Together section of Connection to Land. One screen asks participants to use an online journal to record thoughts using this stem: When I think about “Land” and ”Home,” I think about … Enter a word or two, and then view the slideshow of First Nations, Métis and Inuit images and text. Immerse yourself in these images.

Complete the reflection as a journal entry. Use your senses as you answer this question: What are some specific images of home and land that come to mind? Include drawings, photos or downloadable images of home and land in your journal.

Journal Entry 2

View the video Káhsinnóonikis: Learning from Place in the Exploring Connections section of Connection to Land. The video contains clips from classroom presentations, visits to sacred places and interviews with Blackfoot people who share their understanding of the significance of the places. Select one or more chapters in the video and immerse yourself in the images.

Use the following sentence starters to begin your immersion:

In this image, I see...
I am certain if I were there, in that place right now I would
- hear . . .
- smell . . .
- touch . . .
- taste . . .
- be . . .

Journal Entry 3

For many of us, land shapes our culture, identity and sense of belonging. Look around you, where are you right now? Take time over a period of one to two weeks to document your surroundings using a camera, recorder, drawings or another means of capturing the images and sounds that stimulate your senses. See, listen, touch, taste, smell what is around you.

Use the following sentence starters to describe where you are:

In the place I am right now, I see . . .
In the place I am right now, I hear . . .
In the place I am right now, I smell . . .
In the place I am right now, I touch . . .
In the place I am right now, I taste . . .
In the place I am right now, I am . . .

Journal Entry 4

Select a video from the Respecting Wisdom section of Connection to Land. Listen to what is said. As the person speaks, what are you imagining?

Use the following questions to reflect on the video:

What connection to the land did the individual share?
How did the individual’s story impact you? Were you surprised? Were you upset?
How does this story fit with your connection to home?
How does this story fit with where you live or teach now?
How can you make a connection to the land where you are? How can you share that connection with your colleagues or students?

Journal Entry 5