Celebrating Culture Week at Henry Coaster Memorial School

During the week of April 22–25, our school community came together to celebrate Culture Week—four days of learning, sharing, and connecting with the land, traditions, and each other.

Tuesday began with a beautiful opening led by Orville and Councillor Russel, who guided the school in a morning drum and prayer to start the week in a good way. In the afternoon, students went on a river walk, participating in a nature scavenger hunt. They searched for meaningful items from the land and practiced traditional respect protocols by offering tobacco in thanks whenever they took anything.

Wednesday continued with more drumming in the morning, led by Orville. In the afternoon, students had the hands-on opportunity to learn how to build a goose blind—an important skill in traditional goose hunting and a meaningful connection to seasonal land-based learning.

Thursday began with a ceremony to help the spirits move on, with Councillor Russel and Orville once again leading the school in drumming and prayer. Afterwards, each class spent the day doing their own cultural activities with their teachers, from crafts to stories to outdoor learning.

Friday afternoon was a powerful closing to the week. Students gathered at the powwow grounds, where they played a hunting safety game that got everyone moving and engaged in the sunshine. Later, students had a rare and special opportunity to learn how to pluck and cook goose. The geese were hunted and donated by Eli and Chelsea, and Elder Elizabeth shared her knowledge, guiding students in the respectful handling and preparation of the birds.

Throughout the week, students deepened their connection to culture and community through every activity. It was a joyful and meaningful week that helped keep our traditions alive and strong for future generations.

Miigwetch !!