Bluewater District School Board is honouring National Indigenous History Month throughout June. Schools continue to expand Indigenous learning opportunities for students through engaging activities that explore the history, culture, and contributions of our Indigenous communities and citizens. G.C Huston Public School will be participating in a truly historic occasion on Thursday, June 21, 2018 that will bring together two communities with the naming of the bridge that spans the Saugeen River in Southampton.
At Peninsula Shore District School in Wiarton, the 12th annual Pow Wow took place on Thursday, June 7. The popular and well attended school tradition was part of a full week of activities. The celebrations kicked off on Monday with a whole school reflection and smudge led by Sheila Robson of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in the front foyer for all elementary and secondary students and staff. Indigenous trivia was read over the announcements every day, and "O Canada" was sung in Ojibwe and recorded by the PSDS First Nation Choir led by secondary teacher Lia Edgar and Sheila Robson. Guests for the ceremony on Thursday included students from Amabel-Sauble Community School, the Neyaashiinigmiing board of education, and Elders from Nawash. Preparations for the traditional Indigenous meal began in the morning with Elders and students helping to make bannock as part of a special taco meal. The Pow Wow began with Master of Ceremonies Paul Nadjiwan, who piped in the ceremony. It was a great learning experience for the students to witness the tradition of starting a ceremony in this manner. Drummers from Nawash and Jesse Dew from the Métis Nation played the Thunderdrum and sang. PSDS drummers led by Jackson Nadjiwan continued drumming and singing while dancers from the school performed traditional dances. PSDS girl drummers also displayed their talents with hand drums and songs.