An outdoor ice fishing adventure hooked the attention of a group of Teulon students.
On Monday, March 16, Ash Hnatiuk’s Grade 7/8 classes from Teulon Collegiate Institute enjoyed a day of ice fishing on Norris Lake. In true community spirit, Teulon Game and Fish members came out with the class to set up tents and heaters, drill all the holes and provide the rods and tackle. The organization also brought food for the kids to cook over a fire.
Learning support teacher Amber Oughton outlined the impetus of the memorable outing.
“Mrs. Hnatiuk is always looking for ways to connect her students with the community,” she said. “She also loves providing her students with opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, be outside in nature and experience things they may not get to experience at home.”
Hnatiuk and Oughton began chatting about how ice fishing could be a fun day of community building. They soon expanded the idea by connecting with representatives from Teulon Game and Fish. They also reached out to Kathy Simcoe, Interlake School Division’s Indigenous education support teacher, in an effort to connect ice fishing to Indigenous culture and teachings.
“We know that incorporating Indigenous culture into our education is an important part of Truth and Reconciliation, so we felt it was important to include this in part of our day,” Oughton said.
“Connecting with Teulon Game and Fish felt like the perfect opportunity to connect our students with members of the community.”
The initiative proved to be an engaging experience for all.
“The kids really loved the day. It quickly turned into a friendly competition of who would catch the most fish. Although students had lots of bites, only one student, Raeanna Powroznik, caught a fish,” Oughton said.
“Some students didn’t want to leave, even after several hours of being on the ice. It was really great to see them so engaged and loving the day.”
Lunch time was definitely a highlight, since the students had the chance to cook and eat out on the ice.
“They loved it. Kathy Simcoe brought out bannock for students to cook over the fire. Teulon Game and Fish provided hot dogs, drinks and snacks for everyone as well,” she said. “The kids were well fed for the day.”
All in all, it was an unforgettable adventure for students and staff alike.
“I think the whole day was absolutely amazing. It’s always so great to see students in a different environment than the traditional education system and how they all thrive in different ways,” Oughton said.
“It’s really nice to just let kids be kids and create fun memories for them. It was really amazing to see students, teachers, parent volunteers and community members come together to make the day so great.”
At the same time, Oughton said Teulon Game and Fish was fantastic to work with.
“We originally reached out hoping someone would even just come drill a few holes for us. How much they did for this day far outweighed our expectations. They had fishing tents all set up with heaters, chairs and holes already drilled for when we arrived. All the students had to do was grab a rod, which Teulon Game and Fish provided, and start fishing,” Oughton said.
“Many members of Teulon Game and Fish also took the time to teach students how to bait their hooks and use the rods. They had a huge fire going for the day, provided lunch and gave each student a free toque.”
Marvin Coverdale, president of Teulon Game and Fish, said the volunteers also enjoyed the outdoor adventure.
“Everyone had a fantastic time. It was a great outing,” he said, adding that they recently collaborated on similar events with other local schools.
“Hopefully it will become an annual event, if the kids are willing. It worked out great.”
