Tawnshi/Tanshi!

November was Métis Awareness Month and SD8 educators and students of all ages participated in multiple events throughout the month, both in person and online.  

Schools celebrated with Métis speaker and artist JD Hawk, who presented to grades 6 and up on the topics of Métis identity and history, the Eagle Feather story, Artwork, and the Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake Coin.

Cree and Métis knowledge keeper Madelaine McCallum provided jigging, the Métis Dance, learning Basic Step and several Fancy Steps through online videos to the music of the Red River Jig. Students enjoyed music with Métis musician JJ Guy. Louis Riel Day was observed on November 16.

The month culminated with speaker Jamie-Liee Keith from the MNBCV Youth Role Model program who talked about Louis Riel Day, Leadership teachings, identity discussions, and sash teachings, and the book club read and discussed Probably Ruby by Lisa Bird-Wilson, “an audacious, brave, and beautiful book about an adopted woman's search for her Indigenous identity.”

Thank you to all the staff, students, families, elders, knowledge-keepers and visitors who helped SD8 staff, students and families celebrate and learn about the Métis people, culture, history and future. 

Marsee,

The District Aboriginal Team

Danica Weager, District Indigenization Coordinator
Jesse Halton, District Indigenization Coordinator
Gail Higginbottom, District Principal for Aboriginal Education