Celebrating the 3rd Annual Round Dance

This year, Arthur A Leach, Ecole Bonnycastle School, and Fort Richmond Collegiate alongside Makoon Transition Inc. celebrated our third annual Round Dance, a traditional Indigenous social gathering and ceremony that brings people together to celebrate community as participants join hands and dance in a large circle around drummers in the center. Open to everyone, it's a time for connection, remembrance, and building community. 

Gramma Shingoose lifted her pipe to start us off in a good way reminding us of the importance of keeping children, their identity, and safety in the center of our hearts and in all we do. Gramma Shingoose spoke for the food and the give-a-way items.

Led by our MC Jason Parenteau and Stick Man Alex Copenace, over 400 people came to celebrate relationship, connection, and community dancing to songs led by invited singers Preston Cleveland, Tyson Henry, Frank Daniels Jr., and Kyle Copenace, Jaycee Seenie.  We were also honoured by many others singers who joined.

 Thank you Jackie Connell, Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Excellence in Education for supporting our event. Thank you MLA David Pankratz, Pembina Trails Board Chair Cindy Nachtigall, and our School Resource Office Constable Bryan Foltz for attending and always lending a hand. We are grateful to Lillian Klassen, President of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, Sarah Gazan, Director – Professional Status of The Manitoba Teachers' Society, and Kelli Weibe, Staff Officer, The Manitoba Teachers' Society for attending and donating give-a-way items. Thank you to the Pembina Trails School Division Senior Administration team Shelley Amos, Collen Robertson, Tori Patzer, and Troy Scott for attending and helping with the give-a-way. Thank you to all the staff who volunteered their time, to Robyn Shapiro for capturing our evening through the photos she took, and to our community for joining us.