The festivities kicked off in the morning with a powwow and grand entry (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Education and Culture

Local high school hosts cultural day

Sep 27, 2019 | 1:33 PM

Carlton Comprehensive High School is celebrating First Nation and Métis culture.

All day Friday the school was set to put on a number of events. The festivities kicked off in the morning with a powwow, which included a grand entry. For later in the day traditional hand games and the sale of orange shirts was also on the agenda.

Bonnie Vandale is a teacher at Carlton and helped to plan the Indigenous Day celebrations. She said putting on a day like this provides an important opportunity.

“This day’s the perfect day to show pride in who we are as people, as Indigenous people,” she said.

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Vandale worked with two of her colleagues to organize things. This year is the second time the school has put on a day focusing on Indigenous culture. The festivities were broken up into two portions, with the First Nations largely outside and centered around the powwow. Meanwhile, the Métis portion took part inside and featured activities including music from Donny Parenteau and Dean Bernier. Vandale explained it was a good idea to do this close to Orange Shirt Day.

Students didn’t let the cool weather keep them indoors (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Carlton Principal Jeff Court said hosting a day focusing on Indigenous culture is important given the current demographic make-up of the school.

“We’ve got a large number of our students that self-identify as First Nations, Métis in our community; about 60 per cent of our students in fact,” he said.

Court added it’s a good way for the school to support some of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. Along with the cultural element, he said he also appreciated how the event brings people together.

“My favorite part of this is just the community-building aspect and pulling the community together,” he said.

At the opening ceremonies a few people were invited to give remarks. One of those was Northern Lights Casino General Manager Richard Ahenakew, who urged the young people in attendance to use the event as a learning opportunity.

“You have access to people here who have a lot of knowledge and history of First Nations, First Nation’s cultural events and ceremonies. You have questions: now is the time to ask them,” he said.

Drumming during the grand entry. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

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