Culture key to student success, chief says
A group of students danced under the bright sunshine to the thumping of a First Nations drum song while others balanced and contorted themselves trying to learn traditional hoop dancing.
Just moments before, another group sang O Canada in Cree in the City Park Collegiate gymnasium to open the third annual Indigenous Language Celebration on Friday.
Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas said language and culture are key ingredients to the success of First Nations and Metis students.
“It really identifies who you are and more importantly who you can be,” Thomas said.
He used the example of St. Francis Elementary School, which has implemented a Cree immersion program in recent years. It had fewer than 100 students at one point, but has proven so popular “it’s bursting at the seams,” he said.
“It proves this is needed and it can be successful.”
Chief Mistawasis School student Nevaeh Ledoux, 8, has been studying the Cree language and culture for the past few years.
“I like the songs,” she said. “And we learn about the old days.”
Her mom, Malarie Ross, said it’s important for their family and the community to work on reviving indigenous culture.
“I think it’s important for my daughter to learn another language, because I feel we’re losing our language,” she said.
The kids attended sessions on beading, snare making, storytelling, Metis jig and other topics.
Saskatoon Tribal Council director of education Valerie Harper said the students learn their identity, but the courses also give them an essential connection to their ancestors.
“Let’s listen to our elders. Let’s take back who we are as First Nations people,” she said.