On June 1st, Wawota Parkland School took part in a First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Teachings Day. Our school welcomed Knowledge Keeper Calvin Racette, Land Based Educator Garrick Schmidt, and President of Métis Nation Saskatchewan Local #182 Dexter Mondor to our building to spend the day with our staff and students. Our day began with an opening ceremony which included a welcoming prayer, a traditional smudge, and the raising of the Métis Nation Saskatchewan Tipi.
Students and staff spent the remainder of the day rotating through stations around the school grounds. Knowledge Keeper Calvin shared stories, information about medicinal plants and artifacts with students in the library. Dexter and Garrick spent time with students in the tipi showing them items that were made using animal hides. Students also experienced scrapping and stretching a buffalo hide. The teachers introduced students to several traditional hand-games that students then got to play. Students also had the opportunity to try a special Métis snack called Dough Dogs.
The day was a wonderful experience for all staff and students. We all learned so much and are already looking forward to next year!