Jerry Chen, Aidan Reid, Nolan McReelis, Liam Small, Aidan Small and Henry Shepherd from the Grade 10 Career Studies class at Trinity College all have an interest in map-making, and had the unique opportunity to connect with Canadian Geographic and freelance cartographer, Chris Brackley for an online discussion recently. For Chris, “there isn’t a better storytelling vehicle than a map.”
Chris explained that he loves maps that are thick with layers of information, yet clear and beautiful, as they add meaning to stories. They help us to make connections and to see things from new perspectives. Chris demonstrated to students how maps can be used for more than getting your bearings; they can be used for the purpose of environmental, social justice and global citizenship education. Chris makes maps that help the viewer to understand important relationships among all living things that call the land home.
The career visit with Chris was inspiring as he connected his passion for outdoor education and environmentalism to his vision as a cartographer. Chris also shared details of how he created an Indigenous perspective map that is the size of a gymnasium floor, one of several giant maps that Canadian Geographic lends to schools as an important learning tool.
We are grateful for the time Chris gave to our students, and the time he devotes to his craft!
- By Ms. Jacqueline Priolo, guidance department
