Elementary school adds tipis to Indigenous education program

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Elliot Lake, Ontario has added two original 16-foot tipis to their schoolyard to be used in their Native Second Language (NSL) program. Students will learn how to put up and take down one of the tipis, and the other will be permanently standing throughout the year. Jeff Jacobs from the Sumac Creek Tipi Company and his team visited the school to instruct students on how to assemble and disassemble the tipi. They also taught students about the history of and teachings behind the tipi. “There is a lot of excitement throughout the school,” said Chylene Day, a NSL teacher at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School. “During these times of crisis, we have added two new safe spaces to our NSL program where all students can do some outdoor learning in an Ojibway style Tipi. Reigniting the Anishinaabe teachings, language, and cultural history through storytelling and hands on activities brings a sense of pride and acknowledgment that we are all Treaty People.” NationTalk | Elliot Lake Today (ON)