Juniper School students took part in a multiculture day at the school on Feb. 26. The day started off with a pancake breakfast where elder Jack Robinson and April Ballantyne did prayers, spoke, drummed, and did a round dance. “I feel very good about it. I enjoy teaching, not only the little ones but the adults also, because I think as Canadians everyone should know about the aboriginal culture,” mentioned Robinson.
During the round dance Ballantyne had all the students hold hands in a circle and dance. Robinson says the circle has a great meaning in the aboriginal culture. “That circle we do in the round dance, holding hands, is important. The circle has always been an important part of the aboriginal culture. Everything is done round, it also represents the circle of hope.”
Lucy Mayor, principal of Juniper School says this is the second time the school has done a Honouring Our Roots day. “A big part of it is because it’s part of the curriculum, and we try and plan something that incorporates a lot more of the different subject areas, and social studies incorporates all of that so this was one of the ideas the Grade 4 to 6 teachers decided on.”
Each classroom had to do a project, which was presented during the day. These included foods around the world, leather mitt making, and family trees. Other than the projects, community members attended the school and did presentations about different things.
Stephanie Turchyn, originally from Saskatchewan, did a presentation on Ukrainian culture, and brought borscht for the students to try out. “I was approached in December to be a presenter and showcase Ukrainian culture and tradition. I felt it was a great event to participate in and an opportunity to show just how much of a cultural melting pot Thompson is.”
There were a total of 20 presenters throughout the day, and each classroom visited four.
Jasyn Lucas also presented. “My presentations focus on treating peers equally and without judgment and discrimination, because of our diverse community and country, also the respect of how you treat guests, manners and conduct as well as the importance of reading, reading and talking out loud in open forums to overcome social anxiety.”
Others included Mamie Henderson who spoke about the history of Thompson, Volker Beckman who spoke about the wolf project and the past and future of the city, Mrs. Gibbs presented treaty medals and spoke about her family history, and there were presentations on India, Japan, and Africa as well.
Having a day like this Mayor says, is important for the students to experience something new, while using the hands on based teaching. “For us as teachers that has been something we’ve tried to do more of here. Bringing the life experience, the hands-on learning, we believe it has more benefits for kids. They do remember it better as it becomes a memorable event, and hopefully they take something from the day and share it.”
After the presentations students had time to reflect on the day and share ideas for upcoming cultural days at Juniper School.
