To celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, Kelsey Community School raised the bar and decided to take a week to learn and acknowledge Indigenous people and culture. The week was bustling with activities that not only engaged students, but adults as well. Many Indigenous community members participated through demonstration and cultural activities for the students to participate in.
“We started with an opening ceremony Monday morning,” said Antonio. “Music teacher, Mr. Legeny, sang O' Canada in Cree. Our principal, Mr. Jay Marin, introduced Elder Pat Young to open with a prayer. Next was the Kelsey School Division superintendent, Mr. Cully Robinson gave the land acknowledgement.
“Organizer and grade 5 teacher, Mrs. Myrna Ducharme, spoke about the importance of Indigenous education and how far it has come. She introduced two of the knowledge keepers, Shawna Grapentine and Kelleen Blouin (Granny Willow), who attended the event and shared through their art. Next, students Layla Rye-Antonio and Kain Ballantyne, gave greetings in French, Michif and Cree, and thanked Heritage Canada for their sponsorship.