After opting to postpone last year’s plans to install a Treaty 6 medal at St. Anne School, the school community hosted a ceremony on October 7, 2021, as a tangible sign of their commitment to treaty education and their collective response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Delaying the event, did not delay the learning that led up to it.
In addition to curricular learning about treaties, the history and culture of First Nations and Métis people in Canada, residential schools and the TRC, Principal Chad Gusikoski commented that the school’s journey along this path started two years ago, when students worked with renowned artist Kevin PeeAce on a mural in the school library.
To respect COVID-19 safety protocols, a handful of guests, speakers and members of the school community attended in person, while students watched the live-stream event in their classrooms. Each classroom was able to share a portion of what they learned such as the history of Treaty 6, Calls to Action, Seven Sacred Teachings and Métis jigging.
Fr. Matthew Ramsay from St. Anne Parish and Tyler Smallchild, a First Nations knowledge keeper, offered prayers and blessings.
In 2018, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools committed to have Treaty 6 medals installed in all schools as a tangible sign of commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The pandemic slowed plans, but the learning journey continues with more schools hosting events.
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- St. Anne kindergarten and Gr 1 students share how we are all treaty people
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- St Anne Gr 2 and 3 students share the Seven Sacred Teachings
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- St Anne Gr 5 and 6 students demonstrate Métis jigging
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- St. Anne student art
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- Fr. Matthew Ramsay blesses the Treaty 6 medal
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- Tyler Smallchild sings an honour song
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- GSCS Board Chair Diane Boyko brings greetings on behalf of the board
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- select guests at St. Anne School’s Treaty 6 medal installation
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