Schools celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, schools across Canada held special events to celebrate Indigenous culture and provide unique learning opportunities for students and community members. Xavier Junior High students in Newfoundland and Labrador gathered to attend a truth and reconciliation ceremony and worked with Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse to paint two murals outside of the school. In Ontario, Queen’s University celebrated the grand opening of Tipi Moza Transitional Housing, which will provide affordable housing options to First Nation, Metis, and Inuit families. In Saskatchewan, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division students attended a celebration that included dancing, singing, drumming, and storytelling. In Alberta, students in grades 3-7 from Red Deer’s Catholic and public schools attended Waskasoo Seepee Powwow, which offered them a dedicated time to learn about traditional cultural practices and participate in activities such as beading, sewing, a drum circle, and Bannock making. In British Columbia, a group of students from Imagine High Integrated Arts and Technology Secondary School performed free Halq’eméylem concerts, while Forest Park Elementary students created a school-wide art exhibit inspired by Indigenous artists.