Sudbury Catholic District School Board

Category: Indigenous Education

St. David School “Planting for the Future”

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Together with St. David students and staff, Local Ojibwe artist and educator, Will Morin conducted a planting ceremony at the school to support the students transition to the new school site. Fifty two planters were filled with sweetgrass seeds. The newly planted seedlings will be cared for over the summer by Mr. Morin and his family and in the fall will be transplanted at the new St. David School site.

As part of the Coalition for a Liveable Sudbury, Mr. Morin was selected as a Project Impact recipient. This project included involving students in the regreening of a native species plant, sweetgrass. Sweetgrass is also a First Nation traditional medicine.

As part of the ceremony, the outgoing students in grade 6, 7 and 8 were honoured by the school community. Mr. Morin stated, “We all plant seeds to prepare for the future. It is only together that we can nurture their growth and ensure their success”.

Learning About Residential Schools at MMA

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On Friday, May 22, Marymount Academy had Elder, Gert Nootchtai come and speak about her residential school experience. Students TiCarra Paquet, and Starr Trudeau, along with aboriginal support worker, Carla Petahtegoose coordinated the event. Students from Gr 9 – 12  were able to shed some light on a very dark part of Canadian history. Elder Nootchtai spoke about how she wasn’t allowed to speak her language, or practice her culture  at residential school, there were punishments in place according to what you did. Elder Nootchtai shared most of the time she did what she was told to avoid punishments . She also touched upon the “1960’s scoop,” when aboriginal youth were taken from their families by Indian Agents hired by the government, and then put into the residential schools or child protective services. At times  her memory is unclear if her guardians were aware of what was happening or if they just took her to school without consent. On a lighter note she did mention some fun activities for her at Spanish Residential School was when the Native teacher was hired and she took them outdoors for walks a lot and the kids would always sign up for this to get out of school. Following Elder Nootchtai’s shared experience, staff and students participated in an activity that allowed students to experience what it felt like to be removed from a community. of Residential School survivors.  In recognizing the trauma and historical truths of Canadian history, it was a very educational day, and Marymount Academy looks forward to embracing more FNMI culture in the school.

Cultural Learning at St. Joseph

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Chad Solomon visit St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School with some Native Teachings about how to be friends and work together. The children interacted with the puppets during the productions and learned some valuable life lessons about working together, friendship and native culture. He also spoke of his grandfather who helped place the stones for the Church in the community of Killarney before the road was built to the town.

Bishop ACCSS Students and Staff Break Break Together

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Once again this year, the boys from grade 9 participated in Bishop Alexander Carter’s Wolf Project. The Wolf Project is designed to help the boys transition into positive and productive young men. The boys participated in various activities throughout the school year, and each activity focused on one of the seven Aboriginal teachings of Respect, Courage, Humility, Honesty, Wisdom, Truth and Love. The boys in the program had the opportunity to practice Humility and Truth by preparing lunch, and then serving it to someone else. That someone else was mystery staff member. As our Saviour taught us to be humble and to serve others, so did the boys as they spent the entire morning in the kitchen preparing a delicious lunch for their mystery staff member. While they put together a succulent menu of vegetable soup, salad, sausage or chicken salad sandwiches, as well as chocolate chip cookies, the boys also learned some basic kitchen skills. Then they sat down and broke bread with their mystery staff member. Many of the boys came back pleasantly surprised to have learned that teachers have lives, interests and hobbies outside of school. Staff commented on the great food, but most of on how pleasant and polite the boys were while serving them lunch and during their lunch chat. This activity was beneficial for all as it allowed both the students and the staff to see each other in a different light.

Learning about Métis Culture at Sudbury Catholic Schools

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The Grade 4 French Immersion students at St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School attended a Métis presentation Tuesday, April 14th at St. David Catholic Elementary school. The students enjoyed a presentation by Scott Carpenter, a Community Development Officer with the Metis Nation of Ontario, who shared stories about the Métis culture, and taught the students about different tools, toys and clothing used by the Métis people. The students 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 to try out the games the Métis children enjoyed.

Welcoming a New Member to the SCDSB Aboriginal Support Team

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The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is committed to supporting our First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students and families. Along with our Aboriginal Lead, Superintendent Rossella Bagnato, and our Aboriginal Support Worker Joel Agowissa, the SCDSB is please to announce that Carla Petahtegoose has joined the board to support our students as an Aboriginal Support Worker in the secondary panel. Carla’s role will be to assist the staff to help our Aboriginal youth gain confidence, increase self-esteem, and help students develop a better understanding of their culture and identity. Petahtegoose will also continue to support classroom teachers by providing cultural expertise and awareness, and work with Aboriginal community partners, parents and families to support Aboriginal student success. Joel Agowissa is happy to have Carla join the team – “We are thrilled to welcome Carla Petahtegoose to our Aboriginal Support team. She comes to us with a wealth of education and Traditional knowledge that will be a great asset to our secondary staff and students”.

St. David Catholic School Gladly Welcomes Full Day Kindergarten

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This September, St. David Catholic Elementary School implemented full-day junior and senior kindergarten. It is the fifth and final year of full-day kindergarten in schools across the province. “We are very excited to have the FDK program at St. David. It is a wonderful addition to our school community,” said Jennifer Gran, FDK teacher.

This new kindergarten program employs not only classroom teachers, but also early childhood educators. The teachers and the ECE’s work as a teaching team to support child development, behaviour and improved academic achievement. “Our goal is to give each child the best start possible in school. We work together with the community to build our student’s confidence and provide a solid foundation for their learning.” states Angela Ross, St. David School ECE.

The FDK program encourages children to learn through play and small group instruction. Learning through play and in small groups assists children in developing positive self regulation skills, age appropriate problem solving strategies and a general love of learning.

St. David Catholic School invites all FDK students and their families to meet their new teachers and early childhood educators at the school’s open house on September 30 at 4 pm.

St. John Celebrates National Aboriginal Day

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St. John Catholic Elementary School students gathered on June 20 to celebrate a day in which we are called to learn more about First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples. Student participated in a Prayer Service and had the opportunity to hear from local First Nation people about what National Aboriginal Day means to them. Will Morin guest speaker addresses the group about gaining understanding and respecting the contributions of the First people of Canada.

Sudbury Catholic Student Dancers Shine at Community Pow Wow

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Over 200 Sudbury Catholic School students and families participated in the community pow wow hosted by the N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre. The students and their teachers were honoured to be invited to the National Aboriginal Day celebration. National Aboriginal Day is celebrated across Canada annually on June 21. On this day Canadians are encouraged to learn more about First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples and celebrate their unique and diverse cultures.

Lynise Royer, St. David School grade 4 teacher stated that, “the pow wow was an amazing opportunity not only for my students but also for myself. It was a beautiful day. Our students were extremely respectful and 100 percent engaged in the teachings presented by the Elders and community representatives. I learned a lot today as well about the students I teach and their rich heritages.” Miss Royer continued to say, “on behalf of the Sudbury Catholic Schools community, I would like to thank the N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre as well as Joel Agowissa and the 4 school board pow wow committee members on a beautiful celebration of culture and identity. Their hard work and dedication is much appreciated by myself, the students and their families. Miigwech to everyone involved in the planning of this spectacular day”.

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