Sunnyside students learn about First Nations culture
Students from Sunnyside School were joined by visitors on Thursday to learn more about the residential school system and First Nations culture. Grade 4 students from Napi’s Playground Elementary School in Brocket made the trip to Sunnyside, just northeast of Lethbridge, along with elders from Piikani Nation, for a one-day cultural exchange.
The day was a part of Project of Heart, a truth and reconciliation program for both First Nations and non-indigenous Canadians.
The exchange was spearheaded by Ken Van Cleave, a Grade 4 teacher at Sunnyside, and Mark Anderson, a teacher from Napi’s Playground.
The partnership between the two teachers began in 2008, when Van Cleave had Anderson for a student teacher.
“We kept contact and we started a cultural exchange between Napi School and Sunnyside kids and it’s grown into what we have here today,” said Van Cleave. “It’s our fourth meeting.”
Students learned about residential schools and First Nations culture through art, drumming and dance.
“Today we had some elders come from the reserve and they spoke about the boarding schools, residential schools and then some of the not-so-pleasant experiences and it really touched home,” said Van Cleave.
The Alberta Education curriculum requires students to learn about First Nations experiences, but Van Cleave feels that hearing from the elders firsthand will have a greater impact on the students.
“The message was really sent home today and the kids understood it because we had those people speaking about personal experiences,” said Van Cleave. “That was very moving.”
Ultimately, Van Cleave hopes kids left with a better understanding of the First Nations culture.
“What it teaches our students is that these people are deeply rooted in their culture and everybody has their own culture; every community has their own culture and we can all live in harmony and respect each other’s cultures.”
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