Place-Based Learning
“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.”
— Maria Montessori
“Children have an anxious concern for living beings, and the satisfaction of this instinct fills them with delight. It is therefore easy to interest them in taking care of plants and especially of animals.”
— Maria Montessori
At Maria Montessori Academy, we are deeply grateful for the relationships we are thoughtfully fostering with the W̱SÁNEĆ people and the Lukwungen-speaking nations, now known as the Songhees and Esquimalt, on whose overlapping territories our school is located. Elder Earl Claxton Jr. has served as our Elder-in-Residence since 2021. Each week, students and staff warmly welcome Elder Earl into our classrooms, where he shares stories and histories about the Land, plants, animals, and people of this territory. As part of our Place-Based Classrooms Program, our classrooms are paired with local plants and animals, allowing us to learn with our native plant tea garden, take trips onto the Land, and participate in Elder Earl’s famous salmon bakes! In 2024, Ren Louie joined Maria Montessori Academy as a mentor and drum teacher. Ren can often be found in our Outdoor Classroom, gathered around the propane fire with students of all ages, enjoying a drumming circle.
Mentors
Elder Earl Claxton Jr.
Earl Claxton Jr. is a respected W̱SÁNEĆ Elder, storyteller, plant knowledge keeper, historian, and educator from the SȾÁ,UTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation. Elder Earl is known for his work in reconnecting people with traditional food systems, for his efforts in sharing Indigenous knowledge and culture, and for being an integral member of PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ since its earliest days. At Maria Montessori Academy, Elder Earl participates and guides the Place-Based Classrooms Program with Land-based teachings, nature walks, and days spent on the Land.
Ren Louie
Ren Louie is Nuu-chah-nulth from Ahousaht on his mother’s side and his traditional name is Wikinanish, which translates to “eldest son”. With his background in Indigenous Studies and his work as an Aboriginal Role Model in schools, Ren hopes to one day teach Indigenous Studies at the post-secondary level. Ren is passionate about his language and culture and enjoys learning new songs and traditional teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers in the Indigenous community. Born and raised on Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ Territory in Victoria, B.C., Ren continues to live there today.