Donated art reflects Indigenous learning and identity of students
- EFN Staff | December 09, 2018
On Wednesday, December 5, an event was held to thank education partners who have generously donated or lent Indigenous art and artifacts to the middle-years campus of St. Frances Cree Bilingual School.
Guests were treated to a reception that included student performances of song in both Cree and English to reflect the bilingual programming at the school.
With a facility that can no longer hold the growing student population, and nowhere left to expand the current building, middle-years students (Grades 6 through 8) at St. Frances Cree Bilingual School on McPherson Avenue are being temporarily relocated to a second school location on Bateman Crescent.
To help make the physical environment more representative of the learning taking place within its walls, the school’s many partners were invited to donate or lend Indigenous art. Pearleen Kanewopasikot, vice-principal and on-site administrator at St. Frances Bateman location said, “Putting the call out for Indigenous art enabled us to create a warm, welcoming and familiar learning space for our students, which helps support and strengthen their Nehiyaw identity and values.”
Partners such as Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth, SaskSport, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and private donors donated or lent art.
“We have received a very generous response,” said Kanewopasikot. “We’re very blessed to be working with such great partners who care so much for our students, and we welcome ongoing donations of Indigenous art or artifacts as we continue to build strong relationships with the community.”