Way-Finding

Overview

These navigation related activities were inspired by the knowledge used by the Mi’kmaq people and people around the world to find their way.

Using a map is the most common way of assuring that you get to a destination, but you do not always have a map, so you must be prepared. Finding your way is very important and the best way to do it, is to know where your destination is relative to where somewhere you know is. The Polynesian people used to use the stars, moon and the sun to help navigate, as did many other Indigenous nations around the world. Some of their knowledge is depicted in the video below.

Activity 1: What Route Will You Take?

When going somewhere it is usually preferred to take the shortest possible distance to your destination. That is not always practical though as there are often things in your way, such as houses, forests, and rivers. Taking in the objects in the way, we have to find the shortest possible accessible path. Try the activity below to learn more about the shortest distances.

Shortest-Distance-Activity

Activity 2: Determining Directions

If you are ever lost it is important to know which direction to go, in this activity we will explore a way to figure out our directions.

Determining-directions

Activity 3: Map It Out

We have been exploring the importance of navigation and how people throughout history have travelled great distances without the use of a GPS or smart phone. Have you ever thought about how we show areas or locations to others? Through out the following activity we will explore how to make a map.

Map-it-Out

If you are unfamiliar with calculating your pacing factor, watch the following video.