Learning from the Wild: A Deer Leg Lesson
At Ohmapi, we love creating experiences that connect our students to the natural world, and this past week offered a wonderful example of that in action. We were incredibly fortunate that our neighbor, Woniya Thibeault, a local educator and author (Buckskin Revolution), generously spent an hour with us, sharing her outdoor skills, knowledge, and deep respect for the land.
Woniya brought a road kill deer leg for a deer processing demonstration. Its size was perfect for the group, large enough to explore in detail, but manageable and not overwhelming for the children. In a thoughtful, hands-on demonstration that our students will remember for years to come, she highlighted muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, showing how much animal bodies resemble our own and inviting the children to notice the similarities.
The students observed attentively, asked questions, and reflected on what they were seeing, gaining insight into movement, structure, and the connections between all living beings. This hour-long lesson emphasized observation, mindfulness, and respect as much as technique. Under her guidance, the children handled the meat themselves, exploring the structure and learning through touch as well as observation. They engaged their curiosity, thought critically, and absorbed the knowledge being shared with focus and enthusiasm.
What made this week especially remarkable was the continuity of learning in our community. The week prior, we had welcomed Scot, who shared a lesson on coyotes, giving students a glimpse into the wild and the stories of our local ecosystem. With two immersive, back-to-back experiences, students explored the natural world from multiple perspectives, including the circle of life, close observation, and hands-on engagement with our animal brothers and sisters, gaining a deeper understanding of how everything is connected.
We are profoundly grateful to the neighbors, parents, volunteers, and educators who make experiences like this possible. The generosity, time, and care they bring to Ohmapi ensure that our students have not only access to nature but also to the knowledge, stories, and mentorship that help them grow curious, confident, and connected.
After Woniya’s demonstration, we brought the lesson full circle by preparing a hearty venison stew with the meat from the deer. Watching the children eat every last bite was a joyful reminder of the connection between land, food, and human care and a testament to Woniya’s generosity and the spirit of our community.
Moments like this remind us what it means to be truly human: to learn from the natural world, engage with care and curiosity, and share that knowledge with the next generation.
* Please note: consuming roadkill requires specific knowledge and experience. Woniya is an expert and knows exactly which situations are safe and which are not.
You can learn more about Woniya and her work on her website or follow her adventures on Instagram at @buckskin_revolution.