Staff and students at John Wilson Elementary School (JWES) in Innisfail enjoyed participating in an Indigenous cultural residency from May 5 to 9. Because it was a weeklong, students were able to enjoy a wide range of learning experiences. The residency is one of five residencies supported by Chinook’s Edge in the 2024-25 school year.
“We designed the week to provide students and staff an opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture, language and ways of knowing. It provided powerful lessons in cultural respect and diversity,” says Angela Warke, Principal of JWES. “Students were eager to come to school each day, excited to take part in the day’s featured activities.”
Activities included:
● Indigenous games
● Medicine walks
● Tipi teachings
● Indigenous storytelling
● Traditional Indigenous dance instruction and powwow dance exhibition
The school worked with Indigenous knowledge keepers Clare Butterfly and Dakota Bauder to design and run activities throughout the week
**With information provided by Chinook's Edge School Division
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