Listening, Learning, and Dancing: A Joyful Celebration of Anishinaabe Culture at Our Lady of Sorrows
At the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, we recognize the deep value of diverse cultural traditions as sources of wisdom, understanding,
and shared growth. We are committed to honouring days of cultural significance
– like National Indigenous Peoples Day – as opportunities to listen, learn, and
celebrate the unique gifts of each culture within our community.
On June 17, 2025, students from Our Lady of Sorrows and St.
Alexander Catholic Elementary Schools came together to mark National Indigenous
Peoples Day with meaningful Anishinaabe teachings and a vibrant school pow wow.
In Anishinaabe tradition, June is known as Ode’min Giizis
– the Strawberry Moon. Over the course of the day, students learned about the
sacred significance of the strawberry, also called the “heart berry,” and its
healing properties that support the heart and immune system. These teachings served
as a reminder of our interconnected relationship with God’s Creation and the
natural world.
Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of
hands-on workshops, including strawberry jam-making, rock painting, lacrosse
games, and Anishinaabemowin language lessons. The celebration culminated in a
joyful outdoor pow wow, where the steady rhythm of the Grandfather Drum filled
the air. Student dancers, dressed in breathtaking handmade regalia, graced the
circle, sharing the beauty and strength of Anishinaabe culture with the entire
school community.
Chi-miigwech to our students, staff, and community partners
for carefully educating us, guiding us, and encouraging us to learn more.
