…because identity is rooted with our families and ancestors, and takes new expression over time through relationships, learning and growth.
My name is Andrea Mann. I was born in Mokinstsis, Treaty 7 territory, now known as Calgary, AB. My ancestors were prairie settlers from Sweden, Britain, Scotland and Ireland. After living in many different places with my family and then as an adult, four years ago I relocated with my partner Marco to the West Kootenay region of BC to raise our daughter Alexia. I am grateful to live, learn and work in the unceded ancestral lands of the Snʕayckstx Sinixt Arrow Lakes and Yaqan Nukij Lower Kootenay Band peoples. The Sylix (Okanagan) and Secwépemc also speak of these lands as important to their people, as do the Métis Nation of BC. I am committed to ongoing learning in the complex relations, cultures, protocols and responsibilities of living in these beautiful valleys.
As is the case when we are in new circles, we must begin by introducing ourselves, which often also involves a reconceptualization of who we are and what matters most in the present time and place. Our first learning task in the Call to Action program, titled “Self-in-Relation” gave context and opportunity to do this work in a thorough and informed way. I began by designing a concept map to better understand the strands of meaning that were important to me, which then guided the story I wanted to tell.
My main discovery in this process was that although I also speak of myself as a partner, teacher, artist, filmmaker and activist, it is in the role of motherhood that I feel most able to contribute to the long work of building a better future. It is such a gift to be Alexia’s parent. We are collaborators in learning and life, and the world is much brighter and balanced in her presence.
As I concluded in my paper, “No matter the context, my core intention will persist, which is to bring my whole being to the work of learning, repair and building good relations. This is my commitment to the mirror of who I am as Alexia’s parent, and one of the people she is most relying on to steward the just, sustainable, peaceful and healthy future she also wants for our descendants and human and non-human kin.“
There is much new learning ahead, as I will begin the remaining two courses for the Indigenous Education: A Call to Action topic in September. The academic themes and pathways are yet to be known, but I am going to make every effort to ground the work in personal, family and community wellness. My learning and growth as a newly certified FitNation leader will be a wonderful support in this intention. As the FitNation Elder, Gerry Oleman, St’at’imc Nation, shared during our training, “FitNation is a road home to the very healthy ways of the ancient cultures here.” I also follow his wise and generous teachings in the Teachings in the Air podcast, soon to begin its fifth season.
I was grateful to have the opportunity to lead a short FitNation movement break with my class this summer, sharing the approach I will take with my K-12 students in the fall. I was so thrilled to have everyone join in, including our two beautiful Elders. Kainai Nation Elder Wanda First Rider, affirmed, “there is teaching in everything. Movement is indeed medicine,” and Cree Métis Elder, Miss Betty Letendre reminded us, “we must take care of ourselves in all that we do.”
To connect, look for me on Twitter @mann_teach or email me at learning.leap.dialogue [at] gmail [dot] com