Roots & Rivers™
Roots & Rivers™Indigenous Education for K–9 Classrooms Across Canada
Rooted in the past, flowing into the future.
A land-based, culturally grounded curriculum and professional learning program led by Indigenous educator Benjamin Wondga (Tyee Shäw), B.Ed., MACP.
Supporting teachers with meaningful, respectful ways to integrate Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
Our Purpose
Reconnecting Learning to Land, Story, Identity, and Community
Roots & Rivers™ is an Indigenous-led education initiative that helps schools authentically integrate Indigenous perspectives into everyday classroom learning.
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We provide:
• K–9 curriculum resources
• land-based learning experiences
• teacher professional development
• cultural humility frameworks
• tools for school-community partnerships
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Our work supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the growing need for culturally grounded education across Canada.
Our Program
Roots & Rivers™ offers a comprehensive Indigenous-grounded K–9 education program designed to support teachers and schools in bringing culturally meaningful learning into the classroom.
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Our K–9 program includes:
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• Grade-specific curriculum units
• Land-based learning activities
• Cultural stories and knowledge frameworks
• Lesson plans and teacher guides
• Assessment tools aligned with curricular competencies
What’s Included
Roots & Rivers™ provides educators with a complete set of land-based and culturally grounded teaching tools designed for everyday classroom use.
Our program features include:
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• K–9 curriculum units and lesson plans
• Integrated assessment tools
• Land-based learning activities
• Indigenous stories, knowledge bundles, and cultural teachings
• Teacher guides and instructional support
• Professional learning resources and PD modules
• Tools for school–community partnerships
Curriculum Overview (K–9)
Roots & Rivers™ provides a full K–9 curriculum grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing and land-based learning.
Our curriculum includes:
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• Kindergarten learning invitations and foundational experiences
• Grades 1–3 integrated thematic units
• Grades 4–6 land-based science, literacy, and social studies modules
• Grades 7–9 community-focused inquiry projects
• Printable lesson plans and teacher guides
• Cross-curricular connections for literacy, numeracy, and culture
• Assessment tools aligned with provincial/territorial standards
Program Benefits
Schools and educators partnering with Roots & Rivers™ experience:​
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• Increased student engagement through land-based learning
• Stronger connections between culture, community, and curriculum
• Improved teacher confidence in integrating Indigenous perspectives
• Ready-to-use lessons that reduce planning time
• More inclusive classrooms aligned with Truth and Reconciliation
• Opportunities for meaningful community partnership
• Support for culturally grounded, relationship-centered learning
Land-Based Learning Experiences
Roots & Rivers™ integrates land-based learning throughout the K–9 program, helping students build meaningful connections to place, culture, and community.
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Our approach includes:
• Seasonal learning invitations tied to local environments
• Place-based literacy and numeracy activities
• Outdoor experiential learning that supports well-being
• Lessons that honour Indigenous relationships with land
• Opportunities for community-Elder involvement
Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Roots & Rivers™ embeds Indigenous Ways of Knowing throughout the curriculum to support culturally grounded teaching and learning.
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Our framework includes:
• Seasonal cycles and land-based knowledge
• Storywork and oral traditions
• Community Elders and knowledge keepers
• Identity, belonging, and relational learning
• Holistic approaches to literacy and numeracy
• Respectful integration of cultural protocols
Teacher Professional Learning
Roots & Rivers™ provides ongoing professional learning that helps educators confidently integrate Indigenous perspectives into everyday teaching.
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Our offerings include:
• Workshops focused on land-based and inquiry learning
• Classroom coaching and co-teaching opportunities
• Practical strategies for culturally responsive instruction
• Support for integrating local knowledge and seasonal cycles
• Professional learning communities for sustained growth
School–Community Partnerships
Roots & Rivers™ supports schools in building meaningful, culturally grounded relationships with Indigenous families, Elders, and local Nations.
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Our partnership approach includes:
• Guidance for respectful community engagement
• Opportunities to collaborate with Elders and knowledge keepers
• Support for school-based cultural events and activities
• Tools for integrating community voices in classroom learning
• Resources that honour local identity, language, and land
Pricing
Roots & Rivers™ offers flexible licensing options for schools and districts across Canada.
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• Single-School License – Access for all K–9 teachers within one school
• District License – Multi-school access with discounted rates
• Add-On: Professional Learning Packages – Optional workshops and ongoing educator support
FAQ
Below are a few common questions schools ask about Roots & Rivers™:
• How is the curriculum aligned with provincial/territorial standards?
Our program is fully aligned and built to integrate seamlessly with existing learning outcomes.
• Do teachers need prior Indigenous knowledge to use this curriculum?
No — the program is designed to support all educators with clear, respectful guidance.
• Can we purchase for only certain grades?
Yes — licensing is flexible for single grades, full K–9 bundles, or district-wide access.
• Do you offer training for teachers?
Yes — Roots & Rivers™ includes optional professional learning opportunities.
About the Founder
Benjamin Wondga (Tyee Shäw), B.Ed., MACP
Founder, CEO & Indigenous Education Director
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Benjamin Wondga (Tyee Shäw), B.Ed., MACP, is a Yukon-based Indigenous educator, counsellor, and member of the Crow Clan from Kluane First Nation. He has spent nearly two decades working in Yukon schools, grounding his teaching in culturally responsive practices that honour community knowledge, land-based learning, and student identity.
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Ben’s professional experience spans elementary and secondary classrooms, where he has contributed to school-wide cultural initiatives and supported the integration of Indigenous Ways of Knowing across subject areas. His work reflects a deep commitment to creating learning environments where Indigenous students feel seen, valued, and rooted in their strengths — and where all students develop respect for the land and the communities connected to it.
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In addition to his classroom work, Ben brings graduate-level training in counselling, allowing him to approach education with a relational, trauma-aware, and student-centred lens. His dual background in teaching and counselling gives Roots & Rivers its unique foundation: a holistic program that supports not only curriculum delivery, but student wellbeing, community connection, and educator confidence.
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Roots & Rivers™ reflects Ben’s vision of helping teachers across Canada build grounded, relational classrooms rooted in belonging, community, place-based learning, and meaningful connections to culture.
Contact / Book a Call
Let’s Connect
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School districts, educators, and community partners are invited to reach out to learn more about Roots & Rivers™, request a program overview, or explore pilot opportunities.
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Email: benjamin@rootsandriverseducation.com
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Serving schools across Canada