Indigenous Education in Action: Creativity, Culture, and Connection

Across our classrooms, students have been actively engaging in Indigenous Education through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences that connect culture, creativity, peer relationships and personal growth.

In preparation for upcoming Pow Wow celebrations, students have been working on creating their own regalia and beading projects. This process has been both exciting and inspiring to witness. Each student has brought their own ideas to life, showing creativity, care and pride in their work. From selecting materials to designing and assembling their pieces, students have been deeply invested, putting in time, focus and heart. The energy in the room has been vibrant, and it’s been wonderful to see students express themselves in such powerful and personal ways.  

The kindergarten class is attending lessons in the AbEd room on most Monday afternoons, where we are working on the Seven Sacred Teachings; after each lesson, the students engage in discussions about the importance of kindness, courage, love and respecting ourselves, the earth and one another. They are creating beautiful works of art after each lesson that will be turned into a Seven Sacred Teachings Booklet.  

In our Grade 4–5 classroom, students have been exploring the teachings of the Medicine Wheel. Through discussions and activities, they are learning about the significance of the four directions and what each colour represents. This learning has been paired with a hands-on project where each student is creating their own Medicine Wheel stone set.

Students were each given four smooth, circular stones, which they are painting in the colours of the Medicine Wheel. To hold their stones, they are also creating small fabric bags. Students selected their own materials and have been learning basic sewing skills -both by hand and with sewing machines, to complete their bags. This project has been especially meaningful, as it connects learning with personal wellness and reflection. Students are beginning to understand how the Medicine Wheel can be used in their everyday lives as a tool for balance and self-awareness. Through this work, they are learning to recognize when they may feel out of balance and we are exploring ways to restore that balance, supporting their emotional regulation and overall well-being.

In addition to classroom learning, students also took part in preparing spring break hampers for families in our school community. Together, we helped put together approximately 15 hampers filled with food to support families over the March break. This was a powerful opportunity for students to take part in acts of care and generosity, reinforcing the importance of community, kindness and looking after one another.  

As our school year continues, Ms. Dawn and Ms. Megan are working on lesson plans for our other classes and we are also excited to welcome our Play Your Way to Kindergarten friends at the end of this month!  

It has been a privilege and a joy to watch students engage so thoughtfully and enthusiastically in all these experiences. Their creativity, curiosity, and willingness to learn continue to make Indigenous Education a vibrant and important part of our school community.