Blewett Elementary School commemorated Truth and Reconciliation last week. There were many engaging discussions, lessons, and activities throughout the school. During our whole school assembly we were honoured to have our guests, Lyric and Miles, perform some of their traditional dances.

Lyric and Miles are Cree pow wow dancers, and have been dancing for many years. They have danced at many pow wows and events.

Lyric is a Grass dancer. He performs a fast-paced dance consisting of sweeping motions.  Lyric will dance first because grass dancers traditionally enter the arena to flatten tall grass, check the ground for hidden dangers, and offer a spiritual blessing for the gathering. Grass dancers imitate nature, resembling the swaying of grass.

Miles is a traditional dancer and his dance tells the story of a warrior coming home from battle or a hunt. The warrior would reenact the battle through dance. His feather bustle symbolizes his relationship with nature and his connection to mother earth.

A big thank you to our guest for sharing a bit of their wonderful culture.