In honour of National Indigenous History month, the children in Casa West have been learning about the Anishnaabe Medicine Wheel and its symbolism. During our daily gathering circle, we take turns placing items on our Medicine Wheel carpet that reflect our learning. Yellow represents the East, fire, infancy and childhood, morning, and Spring. Red is for the South, land, adolescence, midday, and Summer. Black is for the West, water, adulthood, evening, and Fall. Finally, we arrive at White which stands for air, elders, night, and Winter. Learning about the medicine wheel helps young children understand the cycles and balance of life, the Earth, seasons, and time. We also enjoyed playing rhythms on our Indigenous drum together.
