Eagle to Eagle Exchange Takes Flight

Posted on 06/14/2023

The Canada Sports Friendship Exchange Program (CSFEP) provided 24 Grade 8 students from Alexandra Community School with a life-changing experience recently, as the class travelled to the Mi’gmaq community of Listuguj, on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula.  Each student was paired with a peer from Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, who introduced them to their local culture and community.

As fate would have it, the mascot of both schools is the Eagle!  Just as the Eagle represents the Grandfather Teaching of Zaagi’idiwin, both groups of students represented their communities with mutual love and respect.

It was a week of many new experiences for the Alexandra students, as 20 of the 24 travelers rode an airplane for the first time, and 18 took their first trip outside the province.  The packed itinerary featured once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including participating in a sweat lodge ceremony, dining on moose meat stew, and visiting the Atlantic Ocean at Carlton-sur-Mer, Quebec.

The Alexandra Eagles also learned about the history of Listuguj, including the 1981 salmon raid, in which the Quebec government controversially arrested and injured dozens of local fishermen.  An exploration of local geography involved hiking to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, and arts learning included a trip to Sugarloaf Senior High School’s annual Powwow.

At the end of a busy week, it was bittersweet for our Eagles to say “atiu” to their new friends.  However, the camaraderie continues as Alexandra students and staff host their 25 exchange partners from June 12 to 18.  The planned itinerary not only includes a two-night visit to Toronto, but also shows off both the well-known attractions and hidden gems of our area we all know and love.  Planned activities include visits to the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Bruce Power, and much more.

The Alexandra school community gives thanks to the CSFEP, Alaqsite’w Giptu School, and the Listuguj community for making these special memories happen!  More information about the CSFEP is available here: https://csfep.com/