Learning About Culture Through Experience
Students are developing a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures through opportunities to learn about traditions, ceremonies, stories, and community gatherings.
Carly explains:
"Pow Wow is a celebration where Indigenous people gather together to enjoy and share food, dancing and traditions."
For Jade, a powwow represents both cultural expression and identity:
"A powwow is where communities express culture and identity. People dance in powwows to bring back their culture, and express themselves."
An anonymous student summarized it simply:
"A powwow is something we celebrate in life."
These reflections demonstrate that students are moving beyond textbook knowledge and developing an appreciation for living cultures and traditions.
Building Relationships and Belonging
One of the key messages our students shared is that powwows create connection.
Sallie reflected:
"When people go to powwows people connect from other reserves and even maybe other provinces, and people also share stories and teachings!!"
Lucas added:
"Powwows are important because it brings people together by music and dancing."
Many students recognized the deeper sense of belonging that powwows foster.
William wrote:
"The powwow is a place where everyone is connected and great to be around when you're in a rough time."
Sallie echoed this idea:
"The drumming and atmosphere or energy of the powwow makes people feel like they belong here. It also makes them feel safe there!"
These reflections remind us that cultural connections support not only learning, but also wellness, belonging, and community.
Honouring Identity and Cultural Pride
The SRPSD Indigenous Perspectives Team emphasizes supporting Indigenous ways of knowing and being while helping all students learn respectfully about Indigenous cultures.
For some students, these teachings connect directly to their personal identities.
Naomi shared:
"I've been practicing Jingle since I was 5 years old. My mom taught me. She was really good at it."
She continued:
"Powwows to me are gatherings where I can express my feelings and passion for dancing."
And perhaps most powerfully:
"By wearing regalia it makes me feel alive and proud of who I am when I dance. I feel like I'm sharing my culture."
These words speak to the importance of creating educational spaces where students see their cultures valued, celebrated, and respected.
Learning Respect Through Teachings About Regalia
Another recurring theme in student reflections was the importance of respecting regalia.
Azalea explained:
"Regalia should be worn respectfully and it's important to culture. These pieces also can symbolize culture, heritage, family."
Corey reflected:
"It is not appropriate to touch other people's regalia randomly because it is a very sacred, very personal, and sometimes hand made by their elders, relatives, or just gifted by someone."
William shared an important teaching:
"Don't call other people's regalia costumes. It's disrespectful and costumes are for Halloween and you're not trying to be someone else."
These reflections show students learning not only about Indigenous traditions, but about respect, protocol, and cultural understanding.
Connecting to the Land and Community
The Indigenous Perspectives Team places significant emphasis on land-based learning and Indigenous perspectives grounded in relationships with the land.
That learning is reflected in Isabelle's thoughtful words:
"Pow wows are a traditional community where people show how our life brings spirituality by dancing for our culture and caring for our people."
She continued:
"Us Indigenous people need to take care of our community by respecting our relationship to the land that the father let us dance on."
These reflections demonstrate students engaging with teachings about stewardship, responsibility, and interconnectedness—teachings that are central to many Indigenous worldviews.
Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers
The success of this work is rooted in relationships. Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division is fortunate to work alongside an Elders Advisory Council and dedicated Indigenous Perspectives Team members who share teachings, guide learning, and help ensure resources are authentic and respectful. The division's work is informed by respected Elders and Knowledge Keepers, including individuals whose expertise in Indigenous education, cultural knowledge, language, and community leadership helps shape learning opportunities for students and staff.
These relationships help ensure that reconciliation is not simply something students learn about—it becomes something they experience.
The Power of Student Voice
One anonymous student reflected:
"There are many different types of dances at a pow wow... sometimes there will be a dance that everyone could dance in if they're able to or if they want to, but you have to listen to the announcer."
While simple, this observation reflects something significant: students are paying attention. They are learning protocols, developing understanding, and building respect.
At Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division, reconciliation is taking shape through conversations, cultural experiences, land-based learning, relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and the ongoing support provided by the Indigenous Perspectives Team.
Most importantly, it is taking shape in our students.
Their reflections remind us that reconciliation is not only about understanding the past. It is about building a future grounded in respect, relationships, and a commitment to learning together.
And when students speak with such insight, empathy, and pride, we know that this work is making a difference.