The Grade One class at St. Mary's School took part in the new Social Studies curriculum being implemented in schools throughout Saskatchewan that includes a greater focus on Aboriginal Traditions and Customs.
When Cheryl and Wilfred Whitehawk entered the St. Mary's School classrooms, to share the origins of Moss Bags, they quickly had the attention of children, young and old, including the teachers.
The presenters shared the authentic models of a Moss Bag, baby doll included. They explained that there are different types of moss that were gathered, rinsed and dried in the sun to serve as a protective, absorbent shield for the baby's bottom. They displayed the animal hides that came from deer and other wildlife that provided the soft wrapping and held the moss close to the baby's skin. The most interesting details came when they shared the Four Sacred Gifts that were given to a Moss Bag baby.
Because the baby was wrapped close to the mother's back while she tended to her cooking, gathering fruit, and singing; the baby received messages of Sight, Sound, Taste and Smell that help to enrich their understanding of the world around them. Girls were typically wrapped to face their mother, while boys were wrapped to face outward. This way the boy's world required them to pay attention to detail in the distance and to look outward into the world, to see beyond and eventually understand their future role as hunters and leaders. Other details surrounding the Moss Bags included the intricate bead work as well as the warm furs that could be secured to the baby's head in winter. The presentation by the Whitehawk couple was very enlightening to the children as they tried to imagine life when there were no stores, no toys, no books, and no vehicle transportation. The children watched and listened intently as they touched and explored the materials used in the Moss Bags. Many eyes and ears were open to learning about the Moss Bag customs and traditions.
The following photos and article was submitted by Valerie Thiessen, a teacher at St.Mary's Community School in Yorkton.
