Students at Ratushniak Elementary School love guests and a chance to experience something new.
Friday the students were honoured to be visited by special guests from Chief Taylor School in Onion Lake and Sweetgrass First Nation as they celebrated First Nations Cultural Day.
Judy Bear of Sweetgrass is a regular guest at the school bringing with her colourful items and stories to share. During this visit she spoke about the female peace pipe and shared a creation story. Bear interacted with the groups asking them questions as she talked about elements of nature, faith and peace.
Andrew Wapass, who has been an elder at Chief Taylor School for 17 years, spoke about some of the important events he attends as an elder, family experiences with powwows, dances and singing, and his sweat lodge. He visits various schools in the region sharing his songs and stories.
The gymnasium was a busy place as several more guests from Chief Taylor School including three Grade 7 students played drum and taught the children to play hand games. It was a full day with classes moving through the sessions and gathering in the gymnasium to finish with a round dance.
Wapass spoke to the entire group about the round dance and its importance as a part of birthdays, weddings and other important occasions asking the young people to be respectful as they joined hands to move to the music around the room.
It was a day to experience culture instead of just reading about it and a day to celebrate special guests from not so far away.
