Sun shines on school powwow

Page 5

North Shore Public School in Keene held its tenth annual year-end powwow on June 11 for students, parents and community members.

According to Ojibway language teacher Elizabeth Osawamick, the language program has been offered at North Shore for about 15 years, but previous instructors did not include cultural events.

When Osawamick began teaching 10 years ago, she saw the need to incorporate cultural teachings and practices into the program. She became motivated to organize the powwow that has been held each year that she has been on staff at North Shore Public School.

She said the students really look forward to powwow because it is an event that everyone in the whole school can participate in.

It enables First Nation students to showcase their culture in a positive way and it gives mainstream society a greater understanding of Native culture.

Each year one student is selected to do the welcoming or prayer in the Ojibway language.

Osawamick was lavish in her praise of the event.

"We've always received good support and positive feedback from the parents and grandparents of Hiawatha First Nation, and the local community, but this year has been the most memorable."