Students, community speak out against 'Cowboys and Indians'-themed grad party

Many are speaking out against a “cowboys and Indians” themed graduation party that was held by students from the Chinook High School in Lethbridge this month. “My culture isn't a costume and it's never going to be,” said high school student Tieja Medicine Crane. “I don't think people understand the extent of what they are doing. They don't understand the spiritual meaning of war paint, headdresses, the feathers and the dancing.” The Calgary Sun further reports that Medicine Crane has received support from many people, including Piikani Nation Chief Stanley Grier. Grier recommended that the school district integrate further education on First Nations people and culture into its curriculum, in addition to providing counselling in response to the incident. Lethbridge School District 51 said that the party was not school-sanctioned and that the district was unaware of it happening. The school has reportedly addressed the issue in an assembly. Calgary Sun | Calgary Sun