Chinook’s Edge shares why Indigenous medicine wheels front all their schools

A group of 32 Indigenous Deer Meadow students – together called Tribestone – agreed. The students accepted assignments, as a part of the planning process, to research symbols and images that would represent First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Images from the Medicine Wheel designed by Ecole Deer Meadow students, and painted by Janice Gallant. (Supplied)

Janice Gallant, the Deer Meadow teacher who painted the artwork, says she was pleased with the symbols chosen by the Tribestone students.

“The medicine wheel, which frames the images, is an important Indigenous symbol as it represents the four directions, times of day, and four seasons,” she said.

Gallant said each of the four panels within the wheel reflects those elements, and also brings in symbols from each of the three Indigenous cultures. For instance, she explained the spirit whale, inukshuk, and northern lights for Inuit people; the tipi, buffalo and eagle for First Nations people; and the Métis flag and cart for Métis people.

“There is so much soulfulness in Indigenous teachings,” she said. “I was honored to be asked to paint these images.”

“I think there is so much to learn as Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together. Also, as we have come to understand the impact of residential schools for Indigenous families, we wanted to be a part of the work of healing and rebuilding trust in schools.”

Once the art was completed, Deer Meadow held an unveiling and smudging ceremony with an Indigenous Elder. Shortly after, Gallant says she started to receive requests from other schools in Chinook’s Edge asking for copies.

“We never intended for this to become so big,” said Laut, “but we are thrilled that it did. I am still so proud of this project and all of the students that were involved with it. I loved that this was something we did together and that the students walked away with an increased sense of pride in themselves and their culture.”

For more coverage of National Indigenous Peoples Day at CESD schools, including Insights about Indigenous culture shared by Indigenous Education Coordinator Patrick Mitsuing, visit their Facebook page.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Chinook’s Edge shares why Indigenous medicine wheels front all their schools

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