Activity 1: Taking Care of Water and the Meaning Behind “Ogopogo”

Grades: 5-7 (adaptable for K – Gr. 9)

Subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies

n̓xaʔxʔitkʷ (in-ha-ha-itk-hoo) is considered sacred by the Syilx People and is, in fact, translated as “Sacred Being of the Water.” Broken down, n̓xaʔxʔ means sacred, and itkʷ is for water. But European settlers misappropriated n̓xaʔxʔitkʷ and renamed the being “Ogopogo.” The being has been demonized as a monster, but has also been made a mascot for the Okanagan and commodified.

To the Syilx, n̓xaʔxʔitkʷ is the spirit of the lake and represents sustainability. We are nothing without the water. If we treat it with respect and in the right way, the spirit of the lake will thrive on and provide for future generations.

What To Do

Ask students what they know about “Ogopogo”.

Ask students what they know about “Ogopogo”. Where did the name come from? Where does it live? Can you see Ogopogo? Is it scary?
Ask students to draw what they think the Ogopogo looks like and share with a partner. Note how similar drawings are to one another. Why do we think that is? Could it be because that’s what we have been told? How would anyone actually know for sure?
Tell students the history of Ogopogo (see above).
Listen to the n̓xaʔxʔitkw song:

Touch on what cultural appropriation is. Accommodate the depth you go with this depending on how old the students are. Make sure it is student-friendly/comprehensive. Ask students if they can think of any examples of cultural appropriation.
As a sign of respect to what has come to be known as “Ogopogo,” plan for a beach clean up with students (or pond, or marsh – whatever is accessible for students, depending on where your school is located).
Give gloves and garbage bags to each student.
Review all safety protocols and bring a first aid kit.

Assignment

Discuss how this beach cleanup is helping keep our siwłkʷ clean and how it benefits n̓xaʔxʔitkw (in-haha-
itk-hoo), us, the salmon, and all other life.

Students could be rewarded based on how much garbage they are able to collect as further incentive.

Activity 2: Watershed Threats

Grades: 6-7

Subjects: ADST, Science

Number of lessons/time: 3 Lessons

When Syilx think of a watershed, there is no separation between creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, headwaters and snowpack, which we understand are all connected.. If one is impacted they all feel a ripple of effect. So, when managing a watershed, focus and deep consideration needs to be given to the whole system (Syilx Water Responsibility and Planning Methodology, 2017).

There are many threats our watersheds face, and many are within our control. This activity allows students an opportunity to look at what threats our local watersheds face, the extent of harm, and what can be done about it.

What To Do

Access a map of Okanagan watersheds and look it over with students. Define watershed and discuss the connectivity of all water.
Provide students with a list of local watershed threats.
Ask students to research and explore one of the listed threats to local watersheds.
To ensure that there is a variety of presentations, encourage students not to double up on a topic if it has already been chosen by someone else. Use a sign-up sheet and choose a manner that works for your class so that students can alternate selecting at random.
Review what are the appropriate websites to be looking at, and discuss how to tell if websites are credible.
Review copyright and plagiarism. Request that students submit a reference page of links to where they found their information.
Allow students a research class: why is their chosen topic considered a threat to our watershed? What can be done about it, if anything? What species is this impacting?
Show learning though a PowerPoint, skit, poster, presentation, or short film regarding the chosen threat.
Bring awareness to fellow classmates by presenting to each other.
Create a personal “pledge for change” relevant to the chosen threat and include it at the end of the presentation.