Science North opened the renovated TD Toddler Treehouse as the “perfect home” for its youngest visitors.
This ad hasn’t been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
The Science North and TD teams unveiled the new space, along with the young visitors. One of the first engaging experiences visitors encounter when they visit the Science Center is the TD Toddler Treehouse.
This learning space is for young visitors (five years or younger) and their caregivers who are learning to explore STEM in their everyday lives.
TD abinoojiihns mitigo gamik The popular new Toddler Treehouse experience includes a beaver lodge and a cattail forest. Audiences can enter the habitat and take on the role of one of Nordic science’s most iconic animal ambassadors, Kash the Beaver.
“We are delighted to welcome visitors to our refurbished Toddler Treehouse and are grateful for the support from the TD Ready Commitment. Working with the TD team has been a rewarding experience as we advance our work and our knowledge of truth and reconciliation,” said Ashley LaRose, CEO of Science North, in a statement.
This ad hasn’t been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
“The renovated Toddler Treehouse is a beautiful space that is the perfect place for our young visitors to experience STEM discoveries and Aboriginal knowledge for the first time.”
In this airy space, visitors can see and hear the common names of the animals depicted in the painting in three languages - Anishinaabemowin, French and English.
Visitors, especially young learners, will discover new toys, books and tools that encourage sensory, active play and learning related to the theme of Northern Ontario’s outdoor habitats.
They will see, learn and hear the sounds of the animals and plants that inhabit these vibrant wetlands. Mangeshig, a member of Wasauksing First Nation and a talented muralist and children’s book illustrator, has created beautiful forest-themed artwork.
This ad hasn’t been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
“This mural is a whimsical depiction of the landscape of northern Ontario, designed to capture the imagination of our young visitors. The vibrant colors and friendly characters are depicted in a playful Anishinaabe woodland style, inviting young children to explore this wonderful environment through play and joy,” said Mangeshig.
“Thus, the mural becomes a tool, we teach our children that we share this earth in all its beauty, this earth connects us, this earth teaches us.”
This project allows Science North to continue its dedicated efforts to promote truth and reconciliation by showcasing Indigenous innovations; representation of indigenous peoples’ perspectives; share lessons and knowledge; And use Anishinaabemowin language. This furthers the organization’s mission by creating a space where visitors, school groups, and program participants from Indigenous communities feel represented and connected, ensuring that visitors who identify as Indigenous feel a sense of belonging when they visit Science North.
This ad hasn’t been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
“This initiative is an important way to bring the voice of the Wanapitae First Nation and all Indigenous peoples to the Science North region and the diverse audiences it serves,” said Craig Tyson, Chair of the Northeastern Ontario Indigenous Peoples Advisory Committee at Science North. “It is important to see our culture included in this progressive learning environment, specifically with science and education in mind: it creates more space for all of us to share our views and teachings while cultivating this essential relationship with an open heart.
“It is in this spirit of greater understanding that we celebrate this project, as well as our work to continue to cultivate lifelong partnerships that truly advance truth and reconciliation.”
This ad hasn’t been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
The Indigenous Ways of Knowledge project builds capabilities within Science North that align with the organization’s commitment and purpose. The organizers hope that the project will deepen engagement, relationships and partnerships to:
Advance the wheel of truth and reconciliation and issue calls for action.
Ensure culturally appropriate research, inclusion of language and teachings to inform the development of programmes, exhibitions and initiatives.
Honoring and reversing indigenous ways of knowing.
– Increase job opportunities and the economy.
– Include culturally and regionally appropriate celebrations and promote adherence to event protocols, openings, facilities and initiatives.
Create mentoring opportunities for staff, partners and volunteers who identify as Indigenous, as well as those who do not.
To inspire indigenous people of all ages to participate in science in the world around them.
Support learning and workforce development.
sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca
Twitter: @SudburyStar
