Reconciliation in Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD)
Lloydminster Public School Division, located on ancestral and traditional lands of Treaty 6 and homeland of the Métis, endeavours to ensure personal excellence for all students. First Nations and Métis Education is a priority and LPSD is committed to answering the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that pertain to education. Through this commitment, we aim to support each student through a journey of reconciliation of Head (understanding), Heart (feeling) and Hand (action). Our students have inspired us to keep going on this path because “We are All Treaty People” . To hear our students’ voice and think about the journey ahead, watch this video that summarizes our work in 2017-18. https://youtu.be/pDLP-cqnFZA
Reconciliation in LPSD is multi-faceted. As such:
- We are working towards inclusion of First Nations, Métis and Inuit content into all curricula.
- We are encouraging authentic community engagement from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis community.
- We are fostering partnerships with the Aboriginal community to support the cultural and holistic development of our students.
- We are supporting students and families as they transition from home to school, school to school, and to a world of work and post secondary education.
Orange Shirt Day
Children of residential schools are honoured annually on Orange Shirt Day. The campaign slogan - Every Child Matters - loosely translates to KIHCI-ITA-KIS-IW in Cree, which means All Living Things Matter. As part of First Nations culture, childhood is the foundation of our journey through life. Building a strong foundation is vital to the development of the person they will become. The translation of all living things matter honours the Cree holistic value that everything in life is sacred. Orange Shirt Day began to help spread awareness for children who attended residential schools. The orange shirt symbolizes these children having their identities stripped away. LPSD schools will be celebrating the culture and honouring the history through age-appropriate lesson and activities on September 28, 2018.
Orange Shirt Day Resources:
LPSD People:
Cheryl Thomas, Aboriginal Coordinator at cheryl.thomas@lpsd.ca
Denae Bruce, LCHS FNMI Coach/Teacher at denae.bruce@lpsd.ca
Books:
When I was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Speaking Our Truth: Journey of Reconciliation by Monique Gray Smith
Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Stolen Words by Melanie Florence
When We Were Alone by David Alexander Robertson
A Day with Yayah by Nicola Campbell and Julie Flett
A Stranger at Home: A True Story by Christy Jordan-Fenton
They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School by Bev Sellars
The Orange Shirt Story: Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad
Websites:
Residential School Stories - About 40 stories told by people who survived the residential schools
Interactive Residential School Map
Manitoba Teachers’ Society - Lesson plans and resources for all ages.
Videos:
Murray Sinclair: Truth and Reconciliation
Murray Sinclair discusses the Indian Residential School system in Canada and its impacts on those who attended the St. Joseph's Mission in Williams Lake and the First Nations of Canada. Video clips of events between May 16, 2013 Truth and Reconciliation Testimonial Gathering in Williams Lake BC and the Orange Shirt day held on Sept. 30, 2013.
St. Joseph’s Residential School Stories - Phyllis’ story
There are a great deal of stories that the Residential School has left in its wake, and most are not pleasant. The problem we have today is not many people know about what it was like. Jonathan Horst heard some of the stories from William Lake’s local school and discovered that it's not something that should be forgotten.
St. Joseph’s Residential School Commemoration Project
Very recently the Truth and Reconciliation Commission came to Williams Lake. Their arrival gave those affected by the Residential schools a place to share their experience and begin to heal. But this Commemoration project was unique, and Jonathan Horst of Williams Lake found out why.
Curriculum Resources
Available in both English and French:
Can be accessed through the K-9 Treaty Education Learning Resource link on the Saskatchewan curriculum website or at www.reconciliation.
Cree Programming in LPSD Schools
- Elementary Cree Clubs
- Cree Classes at E.S. Laird Middle School
- Cree 10 at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School
Mentorship Programming in LPSD Schools
This year we are piloting a new program intended for LPSD Grade 5-6 elementary and middle year students. The Sipwêpih?w (take flight) Indigenous Student Mentorship Program, is designed to connect First Nations, Métis and Inuit students within Lloydminster Public School Division. Our goal is to use culturally based programming to engage Indigenous youth in leadership roles and provide opportunities to reconnect with their traditional cultural identities. We have been running this program for a few years at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School and would like to extend an invitation to our younger LPSD students. We are able to customize yearly mentoring programs based on potential students needs. Our high school mentors are very passionate and excited to share this opportunity with you.
The objectives of the Indigenous Mentoring Program are to:
- Providing students with a sense of belonging while developing a stronger connectedness to self, peers and society.
- Provide students with traditional teachings and language through
culture with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers. - Provide a Mentor and role model for the new student
- Assist students in developing their academic potential while
engaged in the learning process and encouraging pursuit of high education
Reconciliation Projects in LPSD Schools
Small Fires Gathering 2.0
Strengthening Your Path sôhkâskohtâ kimêskanâs
“Strengthening Your Path” is a reconciliation project driven by Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) students. Students will collaborate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to learn about the history of Lloydminster from a First Nations and Métis perspective."