On Tuesday, June 10, the entire St. David Catholic Elementary School joined their community partners at the location for the new school’s site. Just off of Frood Road, between the Spectrum and CTV buildings, approximately 250 students and staff joined Sudbury Catholic board staff as well as other community organizations to smudge the new site with elder Vince Pawis. Dawn Wemigwans, principal of the school welcomed all the students, staff and guests, and after a prayer by student Czesh Malik, the group listened to student singers/drummers while Pawis smudged the site to bring good feelings to the space. Wemigwans explained to the group that, “today we are smudging the space for our new school. We are doing this to clear any negative energy and bring only good thoughts and prayers into the building of our new school.”
Michael Bellmore, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees also addressed the crowd during the ceremony. “It is very exciting for us to be part of such a unique building opportunity that embraces the natural space around it, and incorporates nature as a focus in its design,” Bellmore stated. “We are so pleased that the architects’ design for the school is so forward thinking – having both nature and culture taking centre stage, and allowing for a distinct and remarkable space for our students.”
The new school is scheduled to be open in September, 2015, and will be a Full Day Kindergarten to Grade 6 elementary school.
Category: Indigenous Education
St. Bernadette Learns about Metis Culture
Grade 4 students at St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School attended a Métis presentation Monday, April 28th at St. David Catholic Elementary school. Students were immersed in stories about the Métis culture and learned about different tools used by the Métis people. They enjoyed being able to feel the various furs and learn about what each tool was used for during the War of 1812. The students were especially excited for their upcoming year-end field trip in which they will be travelling to Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons where they will continue their exploration of the life and culture of the Early Settlers.
Minister of Education Launches New Aboriginal Business Program at St. Charles College
A new pilot program was launched on Tuesday, April 29 at St. Charles College to help Aboriginal students develop business and entrepreneurial skills. Minister of Education Liz Sandals was on hand to reveal the details of the program as the province partners with the Paul Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative to support Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship.
The students will learn how to develop a business plan and create product or service based business.Jason Michelutti and Paola Gutscher will spearhead the grade 11/12 program at St. Charles College.
Gutscher says “the critical goal of the program is to improve attendance and increase student confidence levels.”Michelutti says he’s eager to get started and wants to get the students “thinking like business owners”.
About fifteen students are already enroled in the program which will commence September 2014.
Professional Learning to Support Aboriginal Education at Sudbury Catholic
In adherence to the Ontario First Nation, Metis and Inuit Education Policy Framework, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board continues to support strategies which are based on a holistic and integrated approach to improving Aboriginal student achievement and well being.
The school board believes that it is important that each of our Catholic schools have the opportunity to effectively analyze relevant Aboriginal student data and determine next steps to better support Aboriginal student success.
To facilitate this process, the school board provided the opportunity for all school teams to participate in professional learning opportunities on April 22 and 23. These professional learning communities included both a cultural and historic component as well as the opportunity to dialogue as individual school teams about confidential Aboriginal self identification, student achievement and well being. Each school team received school based, up to date Aboriginal student data and resources to support Aboriginal student engagement and improved academic outcomes.
Rossella Bagnato, the Sudbury Catholic School’s Aboriginal Lead and Superintendent for School Effectiveness stated, “We know that is very important that our staff continue this professional learning discussion within their school communities. These conversations will certainly assist and support Sudbury Catholic Schools staff to aspire to meet the needs of all of our students.”
St. Raphael Celebrates their “Hero”
St. Raphael Catholic Elementary School Students, staff and community partners were on hand to celebrate one of their own on Wednesday, April 9. Primary Lifeskills student Wii’um Morin was the honoured guest as he has been selected to be one of the Canadian Down syndrome heroes for 2014. The school wanted to show Wii’um how proud they were of him, and spoke of his outstanding character, creativity and loving spirit. Wii’um took it all in stride while sitting on the stage, and quietly listened as teacher Kelly Beaton spoke of his exceptional personality, and unique outlook on life.
St. David Catholic School Celebrates National Aboriginal Day with a School Wide Fun Day!
St. David Catholic School, located in the Donovan / Floor Mill area of the city celebrated National Aboriginal Day with a school wide fun day. Caroline Mansourian, the school’s grade 7 teacher and her grade 7 class planned and organized fun educational events for all junior kindergarten – grade 8 students. The day started with the playing of O Canada in Ojibwe and then the Ojibwe morning prayer. Events included face painting, water events and co-operative games stressing team work and leadership building skills.
National Aboriginal Day in Canada is held on June 21 annually to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures, and achievements of our nation’s Aboriginal peoples. Canada recognizes three distinct Aboriginal groups – First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. June 21 was chosen for National Aboriginal Day because it was on or near the Summer Solstice. For generations, Aboriginal peoples hosted cultural celebrations on this day.
Verna Hardwick, St. David School Native Language teacher stated, ” this is a day to celebrate all races and the interconnectedness of all peoples. We shared the traditional teachings and celebrated the inclusive teachings of the medicine wheel.”
Grade 1 student, Sebastian Trudeau said, “I liked our special activities today, especially the games that had water. I am very excited to have a special lunch with my class. After lunch I am going to Bell Park with my mom to attend the festivities that The Native Friendship Center is hosting.” All students at St. David School were treated to a special lunch compliments of Joseph Mansourian and “Over the Atlantic”. Sebastian says “thank you. It was a fun day”.
Sudbury Catholic Students Participate in Metis Heritage Days
The Sudbury Catholic District School Board recently held Metis Heritage Days at Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School. Nine elementary schools participated in the cultural presentations. The facilitator, Scott Carpenter, a Community Development Officer with the Metis Nation of Ontario, led the hands-on presentations.
Highlights for many student and staff participants included Carpenter’s beautiful display of Metis artifacts. The Metis people are one of the three recognized aboriginal peoples in Canada. They trace their descent to mixed First Nations and European heritage. Almost 400,000 people self-identify as Metis in Canada. Joel Agowissa, the Aboriginal Youth Worker for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board said, “The students were engaged, interested and had a many questions for Mr. Carpenter. It was an honour to have Mr. Carpenter who is a member of the Metis nation speak to our young students and help us build inclusive learning environments for our students.”
Vince Pawis, Elder / Instructor Presented with Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Education from SCDSB
On Tuesday, April 16, Sudbury Catholic District School Board trustees presented Vince Pawis, a traditional elder, with an award for Excellence in Aboriginal Education. Pawis is a traditional Elder from Shawanaga First Nation that has been working in all Sudbury Catholic schools with students from as young as Junior Kindergarten through to grade 12 for the past six years.
In order to continue to build community and capacity within Sudbury Catholic Schools, as well as continue to implement the “Ontario First Nation, Metis and Inuit Education Policy Framework”, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board has implemented the “Elders in the School” project. This project offers all schools the opportunity to work with Vince.
Through the “Elders in the School Project”, Vince actively promotes an increased awareness, understanding and appreciation of the rich histories, cultures and perspectives of First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples to staff and students in the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.
Vince helps to create culturally inviting school atmospheres that welcome Aboriginal families, honour diversity and respect the beauty and history of traditional teachings. He supports our schools in developing innovative approaches to meet the needs of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students. As well, Pawis works with Aboriginal youth and families who require support through mentoring projects and traditional counseling.
Dawn Wemigwan, principal of St. David has had the opportunity to work with Pawis on a number of occasions and spoke to the trustees about the outstanding contributions Vince has given to the Sudbury Catholic community. “What started off as a conversation with Vince to help us get us two teepees six years ago, has blossomed into the most beautiful relationship with our school board,” explained Wemigwans. “Our students look up to him, and respect him, as he shares his triumphs and life experiences with us. By doing this he breaks down barriers and builds positive relationships. It is through this sharing of traditional Native culture, that Pawis provides knowledge, understanding and appreciation to all who hear his message – this not only includes the students, but also the staff and community members.”
Vince is the owner/ operator of White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge. He has worked with Corrections Canada for almost 20 years, providing traditional knowledge and building cross-cultural understanding. Vince continues to work with youth involved with the courts system promoting pride and building cultural esteem.
For his accomplishments, Pawis was awarded the Minister’s Award for Exceptional Achievement in Corrections last year. He received the award, which is given by the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to those who have demonstrated outstanding bravery, community service and have made exceptional contributions to the field of corrections.
Vincent Pawis was recently appointed to the Order of Ontario and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his work in the community. The Order of Ontario is the highest honour given out in the province. Vince was recognized for his decades of service to the community, working with youth at risk, and with those in the corrections system as well his work on developing a different kind of parole hearing for First Nation offenders.
Jody Cameron, Chair of the board presented Pawis with the award and shared his gratitude with the group. “We are so honoured to have Vince work so positively with our students and staff,” Cameron stated. “Vince helps to create culturally inviting school atmospheres that welcome Aboriginal families, honour diversity and respect the beauty and history of traditional teachings. He supports our schools in developing innovative approaches to meet the needs of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students.”
After receiving his award, Pawis spoke to the crowd. “ It has been an incredible honour as I have been blessed to do this type of work. I was taught never to look for recognition so I struggle with receiving an award, but the Creator works in mysterious ways so I am very grateful for this achievement and look forward to doing more work.”
Learning Culture Through Technology at St. James
Students at St. James Catholic Elementary School utilize 21’st century technology in their daily native language lessons. 21’st century technology provides students with the digital tools, authentic learning experiences, and the opportunity to learn through differentiated instruction. Duncan McIntosh, the Native Language teacher feels that the use of technology really supports the students through engagement opportunities and appeals to their audio/visual learning styles. “Through the use of technology, we are able to connect the historical traditions of the Anishnawbek people using contemporary tools which is something the students can relate to,” McIntosh states. “Through the use of the macbook in the classroom, students are able to access programs such as google.docs, which means each student can contribute in a collaborative sense to class projects and performance tasks. These opportunities support our students being successful.”
The school credits their partnership with Atikameksheng Anishnawbek for recognizing the importance of technology in the classroom and supporting the needs of the students. Sudbury Catholic Superintendent and Aboriginal Lead Nicole Snow is appreciative of the collaborative relationship St. James has with the Atikameksheng community. “ As a school board, we recognize the importance of community involvement in the learning and support of student achievement and well-being, and are grateful for the mutual commitment of the school and the reserve.”