tawâw
tawâw
(pimy-ha-wee pee-sim)
Migrating Moon
Welcome to October! As we step into fall, October gives us time to reflect on the important learnings and events of September. These moments remind us to carry the teachings of truth and reconciliation forward throughout the year.
This month also invites us to live the teachings of Wâhkôhtowin (wah-koh-toe-win)—the Cree value of kinship and respecting one another. It reminds us that we are all connected, and our actions shape the wellbeing of those around us. By bringing this into our classrooms, we can create spaces filled with belonging, care, and responsibility.
And lastly, as we welcome the spooky season of Halloween, it’s fun to learn that the Cree word for Halloween is cîpay-kîsikâw (chee-pay kiss-a-cow), which literally means “ghost day”. It can also be said as cîpay tipiskâw, or “ghost night”. Sharing this word with students can be a meaningful way to connect language, culture, and the excitement of the season.
Special thanks to social studies teacher PJ Gabriel at ESBCHS for the nomination! If you have any students you would like to spotlight in the next newsletter feel free to reach out at michael.swampy@blackgold.ca
Willow Gladue, remember the name! This brilliantly talented young artist from Beaumont, Alberta, and attends École Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School. Willow has just released her first song, “They’re Just Eyes.” This driven, kind, and multi-talented artist is promoting and celebrating her Métis culture—just one of the many ways she’s making her mark. Congratulations, Willow, on your latest accomplishment! (Song is available on iTunes, Spotify, and other venues.)
But Willow isn’t just making waves in music—she’s also an incredible dancer. During the pandemic, she discovered her love for jigging when she entered a virtual competition.
"I do remember that day being like, 'Mom, I can jig.'" Willow recalls. When the music started, she confidently performed the Red River jig, impressing her mom and igniting a deeper love for dance.
"I’m proud of my culture and who I am, and I just love to dance," Willow shares.
Catch her story and journey in the linked article ( HERE)
Why We Wear Orange. École Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School student, Lindsay Ozar recently completed an inspiring project exploring the meaning behind wearing orange shirts, analyzing Indigenous art, and creating their own design. Their piece depicts two orca whales, a mother and calf, swimming together in front of a sweetgrass hoop, an ‘infinity’ symbol connecting their white eye spots. The calf has an eagle feather on its body.”
The student explained their choices: Orca whales represent family, community, and protection in Haida and W̱SÁNEĆ culture, reflecting real-life matriarchal pods. The infinity symbol connects the whales’ eyes, representing the Métis people and the hope for cultural endurance. The sweetgrass hoop signifies kindness, love, and honesty, while the eagle feather honors the children lost or traumatized by residential schools, carrying prayers to the Creator.
What makes this project even more impressive is that the student used a heat press at home to create the actual shirt themselves, bringing their thoughtful design to life!
Engaging Students!
Engaging Students!
We’re excited to share the new Indigenous Education tab on the Engaging Students website! Still in its infancy, the site is designed to grow as a hub for resources, cultural learning, and community connections. This is just the beginning of our ongoing work to honor Indigenous perspectives and support educators, students, and families across the division.
Explore the site HERE!
Learn Cree
Learn Cree
Thanks to Cree language advocate Chelsea Vowel, learners now have access to mâci-nêhiyawêtân, a free, online, self-paced Cree course for absolute beginners. The course features instructional videos, practice exercises, listening activities, and answer keys—helping learners move beyond word lists to build real fluency.
This resource is perfect for teachers, students, and anyone eager to begin their nêhiyawêwin journey.
Explore the course here: courses.apihtawikosisan.com
âhkamêyimok, kahkiyaw! (Keep going, everyone!)
Indigenous PD and Resources
Indigenous PD and Resources
Learning through Lifecycles: A Spotlight on Salmon – Free 1-hour virtual workshop, Tues, Oct 7 at 4 pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern. Explore salmon habitats, lifecycles, and behavior through hands-on activities that combine Western and Indigenous learning, designed for elementary students. Presenter Molly Cooperman, co-creator of the NatureKidsBC Salmon Toolkit, brings her passion and experience in salmon conservation to inspire educators and families.
Teachings Feedback
Teachings Feedback
If I’ve had the opportunity to share teachings with your school, classroom, in person or virtually, I kindly ask that you take a moment to fill out the feedback form linked below. Your insights are invaluable and will help me understand how I can better support your efforts to bring more Indigenous knowledge and learning into your classrooms. ay hay Thank you for helping to strengthen this important work.
mwestas (mway-stas) | See you later!
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