February 2021 – Stride StrongStart

Once again, find ourselves in the midst of giant trees and forest beings and acknowledge where we are. Musqueam, Tleil-Waututh, and Squamish peoples have gathered here since time immemorial and and continue to do so today. What about the animals of this place? What animals continue to gather? Which animals have moved away from the cars and buildings of the city? Where did they stay when they lived here? Where do the animals we see and hear stay now?

Sometimes, we spend time under the trees to look closely and think about these things.

There are lots of ways to play with nature. Did you know, mud makes fabulous, biodegradable paint?!

Add a little moss to make to see if that will change the colour.

It can be a different experience painting with paint that has smells and textures because it is made with things that are alive.

We even find that nature has made its own “stripes” and “dots”. How did the rock come to have these markings, we wonder? “It’s nothing,” a boy comments.

Time spent wondering is time well spent! You never know what you’ll discover next!

Hych’ka!

Ms. Jenny

StrongStart in the Park has been an adventure! We’ve made all sorts of discoveries that I hope will inspire you and your child for your next outdoor play!

First, a “hello” to the forest. Taking a moment to recognize where we are, the ground under our feet, the trees, plants and animals. The trees are so big and tall, they must be very old. We wonder if these very trees knew the land and people before settlers, like so many of us, came. We acknowledge that this has been the home of the Musqeam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations for generations and generations and it is an honor for us to gather together on their lands.