Throughout June, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students, staff and families have been taking part in activities to honour National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day that takes place on June 21. These activities focus on recognizing and learning about the histories, cultures and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Canada.
Mundare School students create Métis dandelion art as they follow along to a video from Métis Artist Leah Dorion. The activity is included in the Division's calendar of events to recognize National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Mundare School students in grades 5-8 will visit the Witness Blanket Exhibit in Fort Saskatchewan. From May 23 to June 26, the Division is co-ordinating the sharing of the exhibit with EIPS and Elk Island Catholic Schools students and interested community members. The Witness Blanket is a powerful exhibit from the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. Students will learn more about the impact of residential schools and how to continue forward in reconciliation.
"National Indigenous History Month is really important to me because it helps me celebrate my heritage at school," says Ashlynn Maccomish, a Grade 6 student at Mundare School. "I'm excited to go to the Witness Blanket exhibit at Fort Saskatchewan with my class. The more I learn, the more I feel lucky to live in a community that celebrates the beauty of Indigenous culture!"
Mundare School will also host a Lunch on the Land for students and their families. Many other schools will follow suit, and EIPS has created a calendar of events and activities for schools to choose from as they recognize National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day in their own contexts. Ideas from the calendar include creating a class land acknowledgement, making bannock, learning Michif words, creating Métis art, exploring smudging and more.
"During this past school year, we've offered many meaningful opportunities for self-identified First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and their families, in addition to school communities as a whole," says Cathy Allen, the Board Chair of EIPS. "There's been a rural community evening for Mundare and Vegreville, Métis kitchen party in Sherwood Park, storytelling night in Fort Saskatchewan, our Division's annual round dance, EIPS Candle Day and more. These events and the entire month of June serve as a reminder of our ongoing role in reconciliation and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Indigenous Peoples to our communities and our country."
Other activities in EIPS include guest speakers, music, dancing, traditional games, schoolwide art projects and field trips. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a nationally recognized day, with June 21 chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice the first day of summer and the longest day of the year and a day many Indigenous groups traditionally celebrate their heritage.
For more information on EIPS First Nations, Métis and Inuit education, visit eips.ca.
