MOOSE JAW — A hands-on learning station emerged at King George School June 6 when an outdoor teepee classroom was raised.
During the event, each of the Grades 3 to 8 classrooms presented the history they had learned about the teepee.
Once the history was explained, the teepee’s final pole was installed with the canvas wrapped. The wind caused a bit of a hiccup, but staff and volunteers prevailed.
Following the teepee raising, a smudging was held with Elder Alvin Francis speaking on honouring Indigenous people and their history. He shared a prayer for the teepee, the land, the creator and all the people involved.
Students then explained the significance of dancing and drumming. There was a special performance by the Buffalo Boys drumming group from Mother Teresa Middle School (MTMS) in Regina. This drum group, led by MTMS Indigenous Advocate/Oskapeos Evan Whitestar, performed and spent the day leading workshops.
A feast of soup and bannock followed.
The plans for building the teepee outdoor classroom started back in January when Madera Playscapes from Moose Jaw began and built the base of the teepee. The poles and canvas were created by Cree Star Gifts of Swan River, Man.
The teepee is 24 feet and a wide entrance makes it wheelchair accessible. The students came up with an idea to put a rock in front of the teepee that students could write messages on.
To learn more about King George Elementary School visit https://schools.prairiesouth.ca/sites/kinggeorge/.
