On October 17, 2024, Spruce Ridge School hosted an Indigenous Learning Day. The school-wide event was organized by the Spruce Ridge SCC to help students learn about and explore First Nations and Metis history and culture. Westview and Hillcrest Schools were also invited to join the day of learning. The three schools invited knowledge keepers to share their knowledge in small and large group sessions.
The Spruce Ridge SCC also wanted to give the students something tangible to take away from the event as a reminder of all they learned. They decided to work with a First Nations artist to design a logo for the event and have stickers printed for students to put on their water bottles, binders, etc. Emilee Steffenson, from Moonemis Cree-ations designed a logo with the words “Reconciliation is Learning.” The logo was also used on signs and programs for the event.
Small-group knowledge-keepers included:
Tawney Johnson: taught students about the Medicine Wheel.
Jill Ruep: taught students about Métis language, culture and values.
Camryn Murray: showed students how to create Metis dot art.
Raquel Bellefleur: helped students explore a giant treaty map.
Misti Bigeagle-Bayliss: showed the students several Indigenous artifacts from Southeast Saskatchewan and told stories about them.
Linda Sopp: taught students about Métis culture and traditions.
Gil and Peggy Wasacase: shared their knowledge of Indigenous medicines, smudging, and beadwork.
Parker Schmaltz: talked to students about hunting, furs and traditional beliefs about animals.
Terrance Littletent: shared his knowledge of hoop dancing and provided a hoop dancing performance.
In total, 820 students were impacted by the sessions during the Indigenous Day of Learning.
All the schools involved and the SCC organizing team would like to thank Affinity Credit Union and Kingston Midstream for supporting this incredible learning opportunity for our students!