Cultural Education
The smudging and storytelling ceremony changed the way I think about learning. It wasn’t just informative — it was transformational.
What is Cultural Education?
Cultural education is the sharing of knowledge, language, traditions, and values that shape a people’s identity. In an Indigenous context, such as within the Anishinaabe community, it includes learning Anishinaabemowin (the language), traditional teachings from Elders, and knowledge tied to the land and natural cycles, like the Thirteen Moons on Turtle’s Back. Practices such as smudging, drumming, and singing carry spiritual meaning and connect individuals to their culture and ancestors. Land-based learning teaches survival, respect for nature, and a deep relationship with the environment. Altogether, cultural education strengthens identity, community, and the connection between past, present, and future.
How I Engage with Schools & Communities
I bring Anishinaabe teachings to life through interactive experiences designed for all ages:
School visits: Langton Public School, Father Henry Carr CSS, Buckhorn PPS, and more—offering smudging ceremonies, drumming, singing, and traditional teachings.
Collaboration with educators: Integrating Indigenous perspectives into curriculum, from seasonal teachings to language and culture.
Mural projects & art: For example, the Langton School mural features a large turtle surrounded by student interpretations of the seasonal moons.
Cultural Programs Offered
Workshops on Anishinaabe teachings, including strawberries, water, and cultural protocols
Seasonal moon teachings (Thirteen Moons on Turtle’s Back)
Drumming & singing classes
Smudging ceremonies
Storytelling and land-based walks
Beading & art sessions
Connection to self: Honouring Your Vessel
Reclaiming your Power: Awaken Your Voice
Women’s Moon Releasing Instruction
Impact
Brittany Taylor has been visiting schools regularly to share traditional knowledge, including the Thirteen Moons on Turtle’s Back, a way the Anishinabek understand time through natural cycles. Following these teachings, Langton School created a large mural to represent these lessons, the land, and the Indigenous presence in the area helping students recognize whose land they are on, fostering respect for Indigenous students and families, and creating a sense of welcome and visibility for all.
Get Involved
I’m available for speaking engagements, workshops, and interactive sessions tailored for schools, youth programs, and community groups. Let’s work together to create a meaningful experience for your classroom or community.