As schools across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) recognize National Indigenous History Month, students are gaining valuable firsthand learning experiences through visits to the Miitig Healing Lodge in Maxville.
The healing lodge has become an important field trip destination for UCDSB students, offering authentic, land-based learning opportunities that help deepen understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and teachings.
Students from Gananoque Secondary School visited the lodge on June 1, where they participated in teachings led by Elder Thomas Louttit, a residential school survivor, and Fire Keeper Paul Allaire.
During the visit, students learned about the significance of the sweat lodge as a place of healing, renewal, and reflection. Teaching focuses on respect, balance, community, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Students also took part in hands-on activities, including helping maintain the lodge and learning about the protocols that guide ceremonies.
The Maxville healing lodge is one of several experiential learning opportunities offered through the UCDSB’s Indigenous Education program. These experiences complement classroom learning by allowing students to engage directly with Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and community members.
Additional Indigenous learning opportunities available throughout the school year include the Indigenous Leadership (iLead) program for self-identified Indigenous students and allies, for-credit courses such as Mohawk Language and Lacrosse, cultural camps that combine land-based learning with science education, and ongoing support from Cultural Advisors who provide teachings and mentorship in schools.
As National Indigenous History Month continues, experiences like the visit to the Miitig Healing Lodge help students build understanding, challenge misconceptions, and strengthen relationships grounded in respect and reconciliation.
