André Boutin-Maloney

Bert Fox Community High School, Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan

Finding Common Ground: A Treaty Walk (& Roll) of Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan is an innovative project that evolved into a digital, self-guided walk that explores local history through a Treaty lens. André Boutin-Maloney’s high school students conducted research, interviewed local Knowledge Keepers and Elders, and explored historic sites in their community. They selected significant locations and crafted their stories, making meaningful connections between place and history and filling in gaps in their narrative. The students then mapped out a route and created a multi-media tour using GIS (Geographic Information System) technology.

The project transformed the classroom and community into dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environments where students assumed various roles, including those of researchers, learners, teachers, historians, artists, and designers. The final product was shared back with the community through a brochure with a QR code link that students placed in the town’s visitor centre and provincial park office. Participants are invited to explore and learn about the community “with Treaty on the mind,” and leave feedback and reflections through an online survey form. Finding Common Ground is a powerful educational resource, providing a tangible space for dialogue, reflection, and education on the Treaty relationship in Canada. The project reflects André Boutin-Maloney’s commitment to student-centred learning and affecting positive change through education.