Walking Together

 During the cold dark months of January and February a group of Westdale students had their Tuesday afternoons lightened by weekly teachings from the generous Knowledge Keepers and Elders from Roseau River. Each Tuesday we would meet in a circle with 3 other schools in the Pembina Trails School Division. We would turn on computers, cameras, mics and speakers in order to connect. The elders talked about many interesting life experiences from hunting, gardening, fishing and playing the moccasin game, to full moon ceremonies, beadwork and all the beautiful regalia worn in the many different types of Pow Wow dancing. Learning in this conversational way allowed our students to share their own stories and experiences, connecting their worlds to one another and to the people of Rosseau.

Despite the physical distance our learning was rich and impactful. Hearing the students reflect as we prepared our presentation was, for me, the best part of all of this. I saw how seriously they engaged with the stories and teachings and the resulting pride that they experienced was evident in their retelling of their learning and sharing.