Indigenous culture celebrated again at P.A.’s Carlton school

Some of those who took time out of their day to take part include Ava Bear, Chief of Muskoday First Nation, John Waditaka, Chief of Wahpeton Dakota Nation, and Glen McCallum, president of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan.

During his speech, Waditaka gave a crowd of several hundred students a small history lesson, explaining how his people helped Britain during the War of 1812.

“We participated in saving Canada and helping Canada be what it is today.”

He added Wahpeton Dakota Nation was given a treaty medal for their role, which included taking over Fort Snelling in Minnesota for several months.

Elder Liz Settee said history lessons like Waditaka’s need to be shared, especially with today’s youth.

“What we do today is going to affect seven generations down the road, so if we keep this knowledge to ourselves there’s no hope for growth.”

She also explained that having these types of celebrations is great at bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous together.

Bruce Friesen, vice-principal of Carlton, agreed.

“As a non-Indigenous person I think this is an awesome opportunity… there’s so much for us to learn, to get along, and to move forward.”

Some of the activities people got the chance to take part in include tipi raising, powwow, and jigging lessons.

Indigenous Day at Carlton. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

by Jaryn Vecchio

Indigenous culture celebrated again at P.A.’s Carlton school

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