Tanez: 10 Questions with the TRACKS Team

1. How many years have you worked/volunteered with TRACKS?

This is my first year with TRACKS.

2. What is your favourite part about working at TRACKS?

The supportive and welcoming team!

3. What programming is your favourite to run and why?

My favourite program to run is Toppling Towers because Janga is fun, and it's cool to see how tall and precarious the tower can get. Also, there's such importance in explaining to the youth what a reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment looks like, which toppling towers allows us to do!

4. What is your favourite nature fact? And share what it is.

Polar Bears can sniff you out from 16 km away.

5. What is your go to native plant for teachings and why?

Labrador tea! It grows all over Canada and has many medicinal properties. It's a staple tea for my family in Attawapiskat, when translated to English it means "the forever leaf”, as you can harvest it almost any time of the year!

6. What is your favourite activity to do outside of work?

Probably fancy shawl dance, also playing the guitar.

7. What is the most important thing you learned while working at TRACKS?

Fire teachings with Zhaawnong Webb was important to me as it's been something I've been wanting to learn more about for a while. Also how to do loon calls.

8. Where is your favourite natural area to visit in Nogojiwanong and why?

I like visiting the Canal Nature Area Trails because there are some peaceful spots overlooking the Otonabee River. The Trent Apiary is also a lovely area.

9. What inspired you to get into outdoor and INSTEM education?

I love being outside, I feel an Indigenous perspective is so important when understanding the natural world as we created and maintained a deep relationship with the environment since time immemorial. One that benefits and requires each other.

10. If you could give advice to anyone who wants to get into this field of work, what would you tell them?

Learn whose territory you are on and more about the Indigenous population in your area in general. Learn more about the plants and animals in your area. Introduce yourself and say miigwech to the natural world!