性视界

 This September, PIESS school honoured National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by engaging in a full day of learning about Indigenous customs and beliefs.

 Students, K-9, spent the day rotating through a series of workshops that included a native plant scavenger hunt at Medicine Beach; learning about Indigenous food and the making of Bannock; as well as listening to, and reflecting on the W?SÁNE? origin story and Natural Laws. These lessons deepened our understanding of Indigenous knowledge and culture and demonstrated our commitment to Reconcili-action, fosllowing the gifting of a territorial map to PIESS by the W?SÁNE? Nation and Pender’s local Truth and Reconciliation Circle. For more on this gift, please check out .

On Monday, September 29^th, students gathered in circle for a formal assembly to mark the day and remember the past. We reflected on topics including Orange Shirt Day, the impact of the Indian Act and Residential School System, as well as the 94 Calls to Action. While much progress has been made nationwide in the field of education, there is still much to do in ensuring equity for all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. 

 At PIESS, we are committing to connecting students with the land; deepening our understanding of the local W?SÁNE? peoples by exploring traditions and customs; as well as beginning to develop our skills in the native language of SEN?O?EN. Feedback from students included the request for student voice in narrowing the focus to one Call to Action of their choice! 

 As students engaged in deeper learning, they were asked to reflect on three questions: (1) What are you learning? (2) Why is it important? (3) What’s next in your learning? Here is a sample of responses from our secondary students:

 “I learned that Bannock was made by Indigenous people when they were starving. It is important because it helps us reflect and learn about what the Indigenous ate.” 

“I learned that they would use moss and scruffed up bark as diapers. This is important because it was part of their way of life before the modern stuff was used and invented… I want to learn more about Indigenous ways and go to a PowWow.”

“I learned that Pender’s shores were used for cod fishing. It’s important because it’s part of my island’s culture. I want to know more about the Indigenous people did on Pender.”

AT PIESS, we look forward to continuing this work all year long as we teach about Respect, Responsibility, Reparation and Reciprocity.