IAM004 - Language and Culture

Jason Bigcharles

Tansi, Wapastim N'Sihkasoon. Hello, my name is White Horse, my colonized name is Jason Bigcharles. I am a father of 7 and grandfather of 16. I am proudly M?tis from the M?tis settlement of East Prairie. I have lived on the East Prairie M?tis Settlement my whole life thus far. I have been a teacher for 20+ years and taught various grade levels before moving into educational leadership for the past 13 years. Although I am M?tis, my family is deeply rooted in Cree cultural practice and spiritualism. We continue to maintain a very high subsistence lifestyle, carrying on those traditions. Currently, I am an Independent Education Consultant specializing in FNMI content and curriculum. I have specialized experience in administering Culture-Based Learning Camps and cultural teachings to students of all ages, which focus on traditional Land-Based teachings of the Woodland Cree Peoples and M?tis, both traditional and contemporary, while infusing curriculum into lessons. I am a powwow dancer, storyteller, hunter, trapper and medicinal plant gatherer and knowledge keeper. Most of my time, aside from work, is spent on the land hunting, trapping, gathering medicinal plants, passing on teachings, and visiting elders. Along with being dedicated to my traditions and spiritualism, I am also dedicated to lifelong learning and the belief that learning never stops. K'ninaskomitin (I am grateful, and my spirit is lifted by you)