What is Rites of Passage

The authors shared their reflections about a 12-week master-level course at a northern Ontario university revisioned by an Algonquin anicinabe ikwe scholar and a settler graduate teaching assistant using experiential arts, storytelling, and land-based pedagogical practices. Through the holistic nature of the course, learners explored topics through their own holistic health and well-being. Learners learned the importance of storytelling which culminated in a medicine storysharing session and roundtable discussion. The authors' reflections highlighted the interactive nature of the course fostering the ability for students to learn how teaching and knowledge can be delivered in a memorable and impactful way. There were also feelings of discomfort when it came to letting go of preconceived notions about education since the course went against the academic training commonly found in Westernized educational institutions. This chapter includes various materials, including the course outline and ideas for personal exploration using experiential arts and land-based creative modalities.