The week of September 23 to 27 leading up to National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, included all things Anishinaabemowin when it came to Spirit Week at the Biidaaban school. Each day included a theme and outings for the students from Early Learning to Grade 8, and teachers were equally engaged in showing their spirit.
Inspiration of the Anishinaabe Aadziwin style was all encompassing all week long and included: Monday - Ribbon Skirt & Shirt Day, Tuesday - Rock Your Moccs Day, Wednesday - Rock Your Beadwork Day, Thursday - Indigenous T-Shirt Apparel Day, and Friday - Orange Shirt Day in honour of Every Child Matters and guest puppet, Baabii. Ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts worn by the children and educators, were crafted from many bright colours of fabric and in varying styles as well. Worn indoors and on the playground, the colourful shirts and skirts had ribbons flapping in the wind as children ran and played and posed arm in arm together to display their creations. While Rock Your Moccs was on the same day as the Terry Fox Run, and students opted for running shoes to navigate the fall trails, back at Biidaaban, shoes were exchanged for moccasins of natural fabric and colours, adorned on the toe section with unique beadwork or fur around the ankle area depending on the community member who crafted them. Many students and teachers participated in these daily events by rocking their garb and revealing their true spirit.
The week of Truth and Reconciliation at Biidaaban also included several outings and events: Terry Fox Run, Grade 2 Family Reading Time, Grade 4 & 5 Field Trip to Dynamic Earth in Sudbury, a softball tournament (cancelled due to rain but rescheduled for October 10), Grade 8 Fundraising Bake Sale, and special guest appearances from the Anishinaabemowin speaking/singing puppet, Baabii, and his puppeteer, John-Paul Chalykoff, all the way from Lake Superior area.
Each outing and event were well attended! The entire student body and education staff supported the annual Terry Fox Run by adventuring out on a loop hike from the school to the waterfront, led by Mr. Lester. Lester outlined why Canadians have supported the Terry Fox Run for over 44 years! and just how much Terry’s dedication to his fight against cancer and subsequent daily Marathon of Hope has inspired generations of people ever since. The Grade 8 Bake Sale was brimming with delicious homemade goodies, and proved to be successful seeing them sell lots of muffins and treats to visiting teachers from Espanola High School on Friday last week.
To cap off an incredibly amazing week of activities, Jean-Paul and his fuzzy blue puppet named Baabii performed original songs in Anishinaabemowin for every grade, exploring animals, numbers, words, emotions, stories and culture through interactive cultural song, teaching, stories and acting for students. Shki Waase Aaban Binoojiinh Gamik students and teachers also joined to enjoy a show in the new school gymnasium.
Keep up the great spirit, Biidaaban!
What a fun-filled, action-packed, culturally rich week of activities! Miigwech to all the staff and educators responsible for planning and organizing the week’s programming! There is a tremendous amount of planning, time spent, and dedication by all involved to bring about these positive experiences for the children and families of Sagamok.
