Sugar Moon

March: 3rd Moon - Ziisbaakdoke Giizis - Sugar Moon

This is the time when sap runs from the maple trees, and maple syrup is made. It is considered the start of the new year for many in the Anishinabek Nation.

Other Names for this Moon: Eagle Moon (Cree), Goose Moon (Algonquin, Cree), Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo)

Learning IN & FROM all of Creation

Continuum of Learning IN and FROM the Outdoors

Learning FROM the Outdoors

Notice the changes in the trees as the temperature changes
Learn about the different trees that produce sap
Learn about the process of trees producing sap
How does the changing environment impact trees?
What is the impact of climate change on the maple tree?
Walk and learn along a nature trail
Create a nature journal and notice the changes in the environment happening this month

Learning IN the Outdoors

Use snow to freeze maple syrup
Sugar Bush scavenger hunt (embed Anishinaabemowin)
Learn Indigenous stories connected to the sugar moon and maple syrup (e.g. Nanaboozhoo)

Lesson Connections for the Classroom

Classroom Resources in French, English, & Anishinaabemowin

K-2; 3-6; 7-8; 9-12

SCCDSB Classroom Resources Maple Sugar Bush

Ziidbaatogeng: Maple Syrup Making; Sugarbush Traditions and Teachings on Aamjiwnaang . © Aamjiwnaang First Nation 2020. Watch here on YouTube"

A film by Derek Sands, Indigitalfilms

“Filmed on beautiful Aamjiwnaang First Nation, an elder teaches grandchildren and community members so they will pass on the teachings for future generations. Featuring Anishnaabemowin translations by local elders and speakers.”

Bkejwanong Sugar Bush Cedric Isaac.mp4

A Walk Through the Bkejwanong Sugarbush with Cedric Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory

A Walk Through the Bkejwanong Sugarbush is a walk alongside Cedric Isaac and a sharing of perspective from traditional knowledge sharing to tapping the sugar bush today, giving thanks and respecting creation.

Derek Sands, Bkejwanong Territory, Indigital Films, captured the video in partnership with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board and Cedric Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory.

Science Connections

Natural Environmental Changes
Chemistry of Maple Syrup
Climate Change
Environmental Stewardship

genaction_sn-sciencespotlight_a-sweet-story.pdf

This series of five videos shares how the Anishinaabeg learned about the sap of the maple tree and how to create sweet water, maple syrup. They are part of five lesson plans in math, science, and Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

The five videos are:

The Stories (11:41 minutes)
Collecting Maple Sap (12:48 minutes)
Language (7:44 minutes)
Maple Trees (11:21 minutes)
Maple Sugar (14:25 minutes)