SRPSD’s Indigenous Perspectives Consultant and Coach organized virtual opportunities for classes from grades 1 – 12 from throughout the division to listen and learn from Indigenous storytellers in honour of Indigenous Storytelling month in February.
- 48 grade 4 – 12 SRPSD classes attended a virtual session with traditional storyteller, Dickie Yuzicapi, who shared sacred stories and songs. Through story and song and a bit of humour, Dickie captured the hearts and minds of his audiences. The feedback from staff and students who were blessed to join Dickie’s session was overwhelmingly positive. “He was GREAT – very personable, spoke at the right level, connected stories to his own life & the lives of others & was very entertaining!”
- Over 50 grade 7 – 12 classes were engaged in a streamed session with “Equality Champion”, Jack Saddleback. Jack shared his story as a Cree two-spirit transgender gay man who overcame many obstacles to be who he is today, a leader within a community working to tear down barriers that divide us. “My students listened intently to Jack’s story. He was able to connect with them on many levels and I’m certain his presentation helped make our space safer and more accepting for all.”
- Métis educator and SRPSD’s Indigenous Perspectives Consultant, Jodi Letendre, entertained 44 grade 1 – 3 classrooms with teachings she’s been blessed to learn from Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers and by sharing a couple of her favourite children’s books written by Indigenous authors. Jodi was able to capture the attention of her young audiences even virtually which isn’t easily done. “The kids were pumped and engaged with the stories you shared. Thanks for sharing your expertise.”
The SRPSD Indigenous Perspectives Team is now preparing for SRPSD’s second annual Ribbon Skirt and Ribbon Shirt Day on Friday, March 4th. Resources will be given to teachers to use in their classrooms to share the teachings and importance of the day with students throughout the division. Those who have a ribbon skirt/ribbon shirt and have the teachings and story connected to it are encouraged to wear it with pride, to share the story and to feel empowered. We recognize that not everyone may have a ribbon skirt or ribbon shirt and for many it is not part of your culture or story, so a few options will be provided so everyone is able to demonstrate solidarity with Indigenous people. Wearing an article of clothing from one’s own culture, wearing any skirt, or creating a pin of a ribbon skirt or shirt are ways SRPSD students and staff will create space and show respect for Indigenous people. The importance of this day is in the rich learning about Indigenous ways of knowing and being, the teachings shared, and in the many deep conversations, it will promote.