Over 300 Red Deer Public students and staff participate in Waskasoo Seepee Powwow Youth Day

“The youth day is an excellent opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to learn about many aspects of Indigenous culture, and to celebrate the vibrancy and resiliency of Indigenous people,” said Della Ruston, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services. “June is National Indigenous History Month. We spend a lot of time in schools teaching about Indian residential schools and its negative impact. It is equally as important to teach students about the strength, beauty, and living culture of Indigenous peoples.”

Friday evening, the first Indigenous Grade 12 celebration will take place. RDPSD says they have 27 Indigenous students who will take part.

“The students have achieved so much to be where they are today. Many students have overcome adversity and challenges that many people will not experience in their lifetime,” said Christen. “Yet, these young people have strived, worked hard, and accomplished their goals to be where they are today. We want to celebrate them for who they are and provide encouragement and support for their journeys ahead.”

Each student will be gifted a ribbon shirt or a ribbon skirt that was sewn by Jolene Gopher, Sylvia Kennedy, and many other volunteer seamstresses in the community. The celebration will include a procession where students will wear their ribbon shirt or ribbon skirt, a dinner, performances by Indigenous dancers and a drum group. Elders will also share words of encouragement, and the evening will culminate with a friendship dance for families.

“It is very important for young Indigenous people to have a sense of pride in who they are, and where they come from. This provides a strong foundation that will support them as they move into adulthood,” said Christen. “It is an absolute joy to see their pride and happiness as they have grown into young adults. Anything we can do in Red Deer Public Schools to help support this is worth it.”

In addition, the community is being invited to attend the fourth annual Waskasoo Seepee Traditional Powwow, which will take place on June 24 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. The grand entry will take place at noon and 6 p.m.

For more information, email ashley@rdnfs.com or kelley@rdnfs.com.

READ: Waskasoo Seepee Powwow and more mark National Indigenous Peoples Day in Red Deer

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Over 300 Red Deer Public students and staff participate in Waskasoo Seepee Powwow Youth Day

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