Honouring Indigenous Education Through Hands-On Learning

Indigenous education is essential for building cultural understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging within our school. It helps students connect with the rich histories, traditions, and knowledge of the First Peoples whose land we live and learn on.

This week, Mrs. Dixon introduced students to the art and meaning of hoop dancing—an expressive storytelling tradition—before taking the learning outdoors so students could try it themselves. Penny Reid also led a lesson on talking sticks, which are used in many First Nations cultures to ensure everyone has a voice, teach respectful listening, and promote patience. Students then created their own talking sticks to honour these teachings.

These experiences reflect the Circle of Courage values: Belonging (connection to culture and community), Mastery (learning new traditions), Independence (expressing understanding creatively), and Generosity (listening deeply and respecting others’ stories).