Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik School garden grows kindness
By Leslie Knibbs
SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK FIRST NATION— On October 25, a dedication of the ‘Kindness Rock Garden’ took place at Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik School in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation. The dedication took place to honour the memory of a former children’s Mental Health Worker at the school.
In May of 2017, school-based Mental Health Worker, Vivian Elsby, known affectionately as Miss Feather to all Biidaaban students, established the Kindness Garden, the first thing a visitor sees when they approach the main entrance to Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik School. It is a small patch of ground with groupings of painted rocks adorned with inspirational messages of hope and kindness, all extolling the unfaltering virtue of kind-heartedness resting on the earth. The garden is a place where students, staff and visitors alike are encouraged to place a ‘kindness rock’ or take one, acknowledging and practicing kindness. In June of this year, Miss Feather passed on to the Spirit World following a tragic motor vehicle accident.
Mental Health Worker Wayne Southwind gave an opening prayer at the start of the dedication ceremony.
“We ask the Creator that we look within our hearts for kindness,” Southwind reminded those in attendance.
Following the opening prayer, an honour song was performed by the Biidaaban singers and drummers. School principal Becky Toulouse and Elder Juanita accompanied the children during the honour song.
Students, staff and visitors, including parents of Miss Feather, attended the dedication.
“We’re here to celebrate the Kindness Garden brought to us by Miss Feather,” stated Toulouse. “The purpose of the garden is to spark joy in everyday life.”
Toulouse invited everyone to place a rock in the garden. Parents of Miss Feather were first to place a rock with students following.
According to Communications Director for Sagamok, Robert Porter, many students and staff remember Miss Feather for her smile that greeted the children as they entered school each day.
“Vivian moved on from this world in June 2018, leaving behind a lasting impact on the lives of those who knew and loved her, remembering to keep kindness in their hearts and to spread smiles throughout the world,” he said.
A new sign was placed next to the garden in honour of Miss Feather with a short verse she wrote.
“In Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Ojibwe/Anishinaabe People, there is no word for ‘goodbye.’
The Ojibwe/Anishinaabe view life and all relationships therein being interrelated (or constituting a circle)—once someone enters our life circle, they continue to exert an influence throughout the remainder of our lives even if we do not encounter or see that thing or person again in any direct way. Accordingly, as an expression of this life view, the Ojibwe/Anishinaabe do not say goodbye when we part ways with one another, but rather, we say Giga-wabamin Menawah….’see you again’….Miss Feather (Vivian Elsby).”
Mental Health Worker Darlene McNaughton told those gathered,
“Our goal is to fill the garden and spread it on,” expressed Mental Health Worker Darlene McNaughton. “When we do acts of kindness, not only do we make other people feel good, it makes us feel good.”
And doing this is surely walking in the footprints of Miss Feather, a good trail for both young and old alike to follow.