Jan. 29, 2015
Her Excellency Mrs. Sharon Johnston paid a visit to
Piitoayis Family School on Jan. 27. She participated in a smudging ceremony and in a traditional talking circle with Grade 1 and 2 students along with Chief Superintendent David Stevenson and Trustee Judy Hehr. Her Excellency then met with staff, leadership students and Elders. Her visit concluded with an Honour Song performed by student drummers and a closing prayer by Elder Leonard Bastien.
Piitoayis Family School is culturally based from an Aboriginal perspective and welcomes First Nations, Métis and Inuit students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. It offers language and cultural teachings, such as drumming and dancing, and practices traditional ceremonies. It strives to honour the seven teachings of the ancestors: wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth, and to create a learning environment based on the balance of traditional cultural values and academic excellence. The school’s key priorities are literacy learning, and supporting the social and emotional wellness of students.
Read the
Calgary Herald’s story for more information on Her Excellency’s visit to Calgary.
