Medicine Hat students take part in Kiskihkeyimowin to learn Indigenous culture and history

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Darrell Willier, First Nations, Métis and Inuit education co-ordinator for the division, said the initiative is the result of a broad partnership involving school staff, the college, the Miywasin Centre and the City of Medicine Hat.

“We’ve all come together to recognize how important this week is and what they can offer to make this a huge success,” Willier said.

“It’s an amazing event because we get to share our culture, whether you’re First Nations, Métis or Inuit, with the students from our school divisions.”

Willier said the event has also drawn strong participation from parents and teachers, with classes attending from schools across the division.

“Just seeing the excitement they have to experience the different events that are being offered throughout the day,” Willier said.

“One student who came in here said, this is my first time being inside a tipi. This is so cool.”

Willier said the programming helps present perspectives that students may not typically hear in a classroom setting.

“It’s really awesome for them to hear a different side of being First Nations or being Métis in respect to our culture,” Willier said.

Since moving the event to the college grounds, Willier said participation and engagement have grown significantly.

“This has been an incredible experience since we started doing this here on the college grounds, and to have the students and staff, parents and volunteers all involved,” Willier said.

“It’s been huge, and it’s such a big success.”

The event has become a highlight of the school year for many of the participants.

“I was talking with a teacher inside, and she said, this is one of the events that our students and I have been looking forward to all year long,” Willier said.

The program continues through the week, with a final ceremony taking place on Friday.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat students take part in Kiskihkeyimowin to learn Indigenous culture and history

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