CARSTAIRS – Students, teachers and staff at Carstairs’ Hugh Sutherland School (HSS) recently celebrated Métis culture and heritage, Chinook’s Edge School Division officials said in a press release.
Students participated in a number of activities led by Shauna Taylor, mother of HSS teacher Tim Taylor, and Marvin Gordon, Shauna’s father and Tim’s grandfather. Both Shauna and Marvin are Métis.
The Indigenous residency program at the school focused on Métis culture and heritage as the majority of Indigenous students in the school are Métis.
“We wanted to give Métis students and all our students an opportunity to grow in their understanding of this rich culture,” said Tilly Heenan, an HSS teacher and the school’s Indigenous lead.
“You could tell that Métis students, in particular, felt that connection piece to their heritage and a true sense of belonging.”
Activities included teachings and storytelling, finger weaving, a showcase of Métis artifacts, and discussions about what it would have been like to be Métis before western civilization fully developed in North America.
A trappers tent was set up at the school for everyone to visit.
Shauna Taylor said a highlight of the residency was the respectful response of students to the stories told and the knowledge shared.
Logan P, a Grade 11 student, said, “Participating in this experience has been valuable because I learned more about Métis history and the people who live here before us.
“I believe it is important for schools to offer these opportunities for students because it helps them connect with Indigenous cultures, understand their traditions, and appreciate the significance within our history.”
HSS principal Dean Nielsen said, “The messages they shared with students were incredibly valuable, and contribute to our goal of ensuring students are welcome, accepted and celebrated in our school.”
