"It was your ancestors that put them there and they put them there for you" : exploring Indigenous connection to mazinaabikiniganan as land-based education

Abstract

This study explored Indigenous connections to mazinaabikiniganan (more commonly known as rock art or pictographs) and investigated how these sites contribute to land-based education. Focused on the community of Batchewana First Nation and their relationship to the mazinaabikinigan of Agawa Rock located within Lake Superior Provincial Park, this study used snowball sampling to identify six knowledgeable community members who shared their stories, knowledge, and understanding of the mazinaabikiniganan as well as other sites of significance within their traditional territory. Using storywork and conversation as method, data was gathered through conversations held with community members rather than formal interviews. The stories collected indicate that mazinaabikiniganan must be understood from within a larger frame of reference, emphasizing the importance of geographical, political, and historical context. Additionally, stories showed the ceremonial and spiritual significance of place, affirmed Aboriginal rights and sovereignty within traditional territory, and highlighted the importance of life-long learning and decolonizing education. The thesis weaves together the findings and discussion to provide a cohesive picture of how the community values and perceives this site and concludes with recommendations on the pedagogic potential of mazinaabikiniganan on a broader scale.