Social distancing is incredibly important as we try to limit the spread of the (COVID-19) coronavirus. But that does mean we’ll all be spending a lot of time at home. It’s easy to get bored and feel lonely. To combat boredom and keep yourself entertained and happy, check out this list of ideas and activities.
See here for Grand Council Treaty #3 Ideas for Social Distancing/Isolation: List of Ideas
Entertainment
National Film Board of Canada
The National Film Board website offers thousands of free videos and documentaries of every subject you could hope for! Click below to be directed to the Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Metis) page, and from there you can select what topic might be most interesting to you. You can also find pages for subjects such as Children and Youth, Crafts, Families and Indigenous Peoples Outside of Canada… all for free!
https://www.nfb.ca/subjects/indigenous-peoples-in-canada-first-nations-and-metis/
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) Kids
APTN Kids offers several shows for free online streaming as well as printable colouring pages, mazes and other games. Some shows include Amy’s Mythic Mornings, Anaana’s Tent and Teepee Time. Good resource for younger kids!
APTN Lumi
On APTN Lumi you can find our favourite TV show here at TRACKS… Coyote Science! This adventures-in-science series shows Indigenous youth how cool science is as they learn from Indigenous scientists. You can find this show in their “Families Friendly and Kids” section.
APTN Lumi offers a free 5 day trial and then their premium content is $4.99 a month. If you choose to not pay after your 5 day trial, you can still access their limited streaming services.
https://aptnlumi.ca/#/page?pageName=Home
Indigenous Education Resources
Toronto Zoo Turtle Island Conservation Initiative
The Toronto Zoo in partnership with First Nations communities has developed a variety of fun educational resources focused on traditional ecological knowledge and wetland conservation. Resources incorporate Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee teachings, Ojibwe and Mohawk language, and both Indigenous and Western Science.
ttp://www.torontozoo.com/tz/ticresources
One of their resources in particular, “Ways of Knowing, Earth’s Teachings” has so much great information for all ages about Indigenous ways of knowing.
http://www.torontozoo.com/pdfs/tic/ways-of-knowing.pdf
There are also curriculum based booklets which include many great teachings, discussions, and activities. Have fun exploring!
Think Indigenous: Online Indigenous Education K-8
This resource through Facebook connects you with Indigenous educators from all over Turtle Island. They provide online learning opportunities for children K-8, all with an Indigenous lens. Here you can find topics such as archery basics, the importance of braids and stress management.
https://www.facebook.com/ThinkIndigenousOnlineEd/posts/113194156972011?__tn__=-R
Deepening Knowledge: Resources for and about Aboriginal Education
This webpage is primarily a place to find teacher resources regarding how to incorporate Indigenous topics into the classroom but if you click through the links on the left side of the page you’ll find tons of resources for engaging with Indigenous knowledge and topics at home. There are endless videos, potential projects and book suggestions. If you look at the bar along the top you can find further connections under “Student Resources”.
https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/deepeningknowledge/Teacher_Resources/index.html
Family Cultural Immersion Camp
Coming out of Wikwemikong Heritage Centre, this link will take you a 20 minute video of some basic Anishinaabemowin and some story time! Good for the whole family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SjDmnmr9MM
Feel-good activities
1. Go for a walk
Walking is completely fine during social distancing – just remember to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.
2. Exercise
People feel better when they get some physical activity in – even if it’s just a light walk. If you want more of a workout, there are plenty of online videos and apps that offer free workouts.
3. Yoga at home
If you have a small stretch of floor, you can do a little yoga. Yoga is an excellent way to relax and gently move your body.
4. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and Meditation is a lovely calming practice that works to clear your mind and help ease negative feelings. (Curious about Mindfulness and Meditation? Here’s some more information about what meditation is and how meditation works supplied by Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation: http://mncfn.ca/wellness-wednesday-meditation-101/)
5. Spring cleaning
There’s something satisfying about spring cleaning – many people use it as an opportunity to purge unused items and rearrange their home to create a fresh new space. Just make sure to take breaks and ask for help when you need it.
Remember: It’s normal to feel anxious about what’s going on – but you’re doing your part by respecting social distancing. It’s challenging, but these activities – and other things that make you happy – will keep you and your loved ones entertained and engaged.