Yellowquill School continued a growing tradition on June 26 with its second annual powwow, bringing students, families, and community members together to celebrate Indigenous culture and mark the end of the school year.
This year’s event welcomed around 100 guests and featured dancers, singers, and drummers; including performers who travelled from well beyond the local area. The grounds of the Portage la Prairie school were filled with music, movement, and teachings that reflected the strength and beauty of Indigenous traditions.
Principal Darryl Patterson says the day was a powerful way to close out the year.
"It's important. It allows our non-Indigenous students to learn with our Indigenous students alongside them and it's a great way to celebrate a year-end of hard work. It's just a great event."
He adds that having families and community members involved made it especially meaningful.
"It was a great success. Whenever we can bring family and community into school and celebrate with our children it makes for a great event."
Vice Principal Erin Mauws highlights the impact on students who see themselves reflected in the celebration.
"I think the kids can see themselves in this celebration and instead of maybe some of the things that we traditionally did. You see that by the kids. We're going to do a friendship dance in the middle of it and I think you'll see every kid in the school get up. Just sharing these traditions and this culture is really important to them."
She also points to the importance of acknowledging the land and local history in school settings.
"I think being on treaty land and having students from a reserve and just knowing the actual true history of where we live in Portage la Prairie is important. The more we can do to celebrate that and share in the knowledge and the teaching is what our job is as educators."
Along with the performances, the powwow also gave students the chance to shine in other ways; some set up tables as young entrepreneurs, selling handmade items during the event.
With strong support from staff, families, and the broader community, the Yellowquill Powwow has quickly become a standout celebration in the school year.
- with files from Jared Thiessen
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