Tanisi Families,
As we step into the new year, January is a wonderful time to reflect, reset, and prioritize self-care. Our cultures teach us to care for ourselves in balance with nature, our communities and our families. This month, we invite you and your family to explore simple, Indigenous-inspired self-care activities that promote health, mindfulness, and connection.
Here are some activities and children’s books to bring Indigenous teachings and self-care into your family’s daily life this January.
1. Connect with Nature: Seasonal Walks and Observations
Winter is a time of rest and reflection, a moment to slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty of nature. Even in colder months, time spent outdoors can be rejuvenating.
Activity Idea: Winter Nature Walk
- Bundle up and take a family walk in nature—whether it's in a local park, forest, or backyard.
- Discuss how the animals and trees might be adapting to the winter season. In many of the ancestral stories, the land is seen as alive and full of stories.
- Collect natural items like pinecones, stones, or fallen branches to create a winter nature collage at home.
Self-Care Tip: Use this walk as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Focus on your senses—what do you see, hear, or smell? Breathe deeply and be present.
2. Circle Time: Family Sharing and Storytelling
Families may use the concept of the "talking circle," where everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. This practice promotes community, connection, and emotional health.
Activity Idea: Family Talking Circle
- Gather your family in a circle and share a highlight of your day or something you are grateful for.
- Use a talking stick (or any object) to symbolize that only the person holding the item can speak.
- Afterward, discuss how you can support each other this month in staying healthy and positive.
Self-Care Tip: This practice of sharing creates a safe space for open communication, supports mental and emotional health, and encourages family bonding.
3. Traditional Foods for the New Year
Seasonal foods and family recipes are a way to nurture both the body and the spirit.
Activity Idea: Cook Together
- Learn about traditional foods. If possible, try making a dish together as a family.
- Consider making a winter soup or stew, perhaps harvested game, root vegetables, and seasonal greens.
Self-Care Tip: Eating together as a family creates a sense of community. Share stories around the meal table about your family’s heritage and stories.
Here are some Indigenous children’s books that focus on themes of self-care, emotional well-being, cultural connection, and resilience. These stories not only provide valuable lessons for children but also highlight Indigenous wisdom and teachings:
1. "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom
This beautifully illustrated book teaches children about the importance of protecting water, a sacred resource in many Indigenous cultures. The story is about a young girl who takes a stand against those who threaten the water, and it's a powerful reminder of the deep connection Indigenous communities have to the land and the environment.
Self-Care Theme: Caring for the environment is a form of self-care for future generations. It encourages children to appreciate nature and their role in protecting it.
2. "The Red Parka Mary" by Marie-Louise Gay
This charming book features a young Métis girl named Mary who wears a red parka. She and her family live in the northern wilderness, where Mary learns valuable lessons from her community and the natural world around her.
Self-Care Theme: The story teaches the importance of community and the support of loved ones, which is essential for mental and emotional well-being. Mary’s connection to nature and her cultural practices can help children feel grounded and resilient, encouraging them to appreciate the healing power of their environment and their relationships.
Need guidance or wish to discuss well-being? Please reach out to Caslan Schools Student Advocacy Counselor Mrs. Shelley Handel by email shelley.handel@nlsd.ab.ca or call 780-689-2118.
I hope these activities and book recommendations help foster a sense of balance and peace for your family throughout January.
Stay well, and take time to honor yourselves, your loved ones, and the land we are all connected to.