Education signing kicks off school pow-wow

May 29, 2014

Traditional dancer Clayton King leads Grand Entry at Christian Island Elementary School Pow-Wow, Beausoleil FN councillor Jeff Monague carries Eagle Staff, followed by first-time dancers Kyree King and Emma Monague.

By Sharon Weatherall
BEAUSOLEIL FN –The renewal of the Education Services Agreement with the Simcoe County District School Board kicked off the fifth annual Christian Island Elementary School Pow-Wow.

Over 400 students participated in the May 21st event, which attracted participants from elementary schools in Wausauksing First Nation, Penetanguishene, Victoria Harbour, Simcoe County as well as Erindale High School from the Peel Board.

Simcoe Board director of education Kathi Wallace was on hand for renewal of the Education Services Agreement.

“The agreement is a written understanding of how we work together and how we collaborate together,” said Wallace explaining that it involves cultural training of students from as early as Kindergarten through high school.

Amanda Monague, Beausoleil Director of Education, will serve as First Nation trustee for the board for the term of the agreement.

Theme for the 2014 pow-wow was “Celebrating Our Children”, and Beausoleil councillor Jeff Monague welcomed guests to the event and invited them to enjoy the day while experiencing some traditional culture.

Emcee Allan Manitowabi introduced Traditional Dancer Clayton King and Lead Youth Dancer Calista Monague.
Drums included Georgina Island’s Shining Water, host Mystic Creek drummer/singers, and the Zookee-way Kwe (Strong Women) drummer/singers.

Fancy dancer Emma Monague and Jingle Dress dancer Kyree King proudly sported new outfits for the “Coming out Dance”.

“This is their first time dancing at a pow-wow and the Coming Out Dance is their initiation for the Right of Passage,” explained Trudi King.

Dancer Cindy King wore her new peach-coloured jingle dress for the first time.

“It was gifted to me on Mother’s Day by my friend Jenny Cummings. It came to her in a dream that I should dance in this dress, so she made it for me,”
said King.

School principal Angela Johnson presented a handmade quilt to Education Manager Nancy Assance, a gift she said was “in recognition for the work and healing Nancy has brought to our school. Last year she filled in as acting Education Director.”

The day’s activities included an art gallery, a puppet show Native Legends in the Ojibwa Language, shadow puppets Native Creation Story and a traditional feast for all students, featuring rice, corn, strawberries and fried fish.