Indigenous Education

Pembina Trails is committed to engaging in Indigenous Education programming in all our schools.
Here is just one of the many events with an Indigenous focus taking place in our community.

Strengthening Connections

The conversation started out quiet. A question followed by an answer, then a pause. Within minutes, there was a noticeable change, the dialogue becoming much deeper than the surface. In the front of Fort Richmond's library, a round table filled with students all hanging on to Nikki Muswaggon's every word.

Miss Muswaggon was born and raised in Cross Lake on the Pimicikamak First Nation. She and a handful of other prominent Indigenous guests graciously spent the afternoon with students taking part in what is called a Human Library.

There were no actual books at the gathering. The guests are in essence the books and are on loan to readers in hopes that they share their own personal stories. The main objective of any Human Library is to build a positive framework for discussions that may challenge stereotypes and prejudices.

"It is amazing. I am so glad everyone is so immersed in the conversations," said Savini Amarakoon.Miss Amarakoon is a grade 12 student and help organized the Human Library event. "I think our goal is being achieved here today. This is the best medium to raise awareness because the students are talking to a real person. They are looking in their eyes and are able to personally hear their stories. I can tell the stories are resonating in their minds."

Back at Miss Muswaggon's table, the 19 year old continues to share some challenges she faced growing up, as well as her aspirations of one day becoming a lawyer. The articulate university student believes that making true connections is the only way to reduce stigmas and stereotypes.

"I felt good here giving the students some extra knowledge and maybe even changing any perceptions," shared Muswaggon. "I hope these kids keep an open mind and try to treat each other better. We can always treat each other better."