This year at Blewett Elementary, our school community is focusing on integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, histories, and perspectives into our everyday learning. Our school community has begun and will continue to integrate these teachings through storytelling, art, music, circle, and other traditional practices. 

To guide our learning this year, we are using the Circle of Courage framework to help us teach and learn in a good way. The Circle of Courage framework is an Indigenous model of positive development that focuses on four key elements: 

1. Belonging – building a sense of community where every student feels valued.
2. Mastery – supporting the growth of skills and confidence.
3. Independence – Encouraging self-determination and personal growth.
4. Generosity – Fostering empathy and a spirit of giving. 

This framework will help us nurture not only academic success but also the emotional and social well-being of our students. So far this year we have worked through the idea and understanding of belonging. Our students understand and can explain in their own words what belonging means and how we can make others feel like they belong.  In September, we had a special assembly for Orange Shirt Day to honour the lasting impact of residential schools. We spoke about the importance of the words “Truth and Reconciliation” and what they mean for this day. We spoke about how it is always important to share the truth of what happened, even if it feels wrong or negative. We also spoke about how important it is to apologize and hear other peoples’ perspectives in order to move forward in relationships in a good way. This day of remembrance helped our community reflect on the lasting legacy of residential schools and commit to ongoing reconciliation.   In October the students learnt about the medicine wheel, which the Circle of Courage framework is built upon. The medicine wheel is a symbol of balance and continuation within the systems of our natural world. The medicine wheel is divided into 4 equal parts and represents a variety of things such as the cardinal directions, the parts of ourselves, and the seasons. Medicine wheel teachings emphasize the importance of balance and overall well-being in our own lives. It teaches us to care for ourselves and our world in a holistic way.  November is Metis Awareness month, and during this time we have explored the history, culture, and contributions of the Metis people in our lessons. Students have learnt about significant aspects of Metis culture, such as the Metis sash, the Michif language, the Metis flag, fiddle music, jigging, and beaded art styles. We have also discussed important Metis figures and events like Louis Riel and the Red River Resistance.

Moving forward we will continue to integrate Indigenous knowledge and traditions into our learning. By weaving these teachings and the Circle of Courage framework into our daily routines, we hope to create a school that is inclusive, compassionate, and culturally aware for all students. What an exciting year we have ahead of us!