VANDERHOOF - On Wednesday June 21, National Aboriginal Day, two pole carvings were unveiled, beautifully adorning the posts supporting the school sign at the front entrance of W.L. McLeod Elementary.
“I am here today on behalf of our Parent Advisory Committee to extend many thank you’s to all who were involved in this project”, said PAC Chair, Mandi Bessette. “I would like to start with thanking our guest speakers for taking the time to be here today to honour this important event.”
Speakers included Melanie Labatch, who brought this idea to the PAC executive for funding. Melanie organized the project, as well as Cultural Awareness Workshops that were held at the school earlier in May. She connected the students with Saik’uz Native Arts artists, Jeremiah Prince and Michael Antoine who shared their talent and passion.
Elected Saik’uz Chief Jackie Thomas, Reg Mueller and Eugene Marks, Nechako Lakes Superintendent each addressed the attendees, speaking of the significance, the blessing, honour, collaboration, sense of community and Carrier clan symbolism which the carvings represent. Five youths representing the grade K - 6 student body, also shared a few words about their experience being a part of the carving and painting of the poles.
At the end of the ceremony there was drumming and signing and dancing. All the children got up and started dancing, following behind one another in a long line, smiling, laughing and circling around the posts in a very joyous celebration to drumming and the singing of a song called ‘Four Winds’ written by Celina John, Pris Mueller’s mother. With very appropriate Carrier lyrics about change, growth and healing.
“The song she wrote represents the four directions, the four seasons and the four colours of healing,” said Pris, “My grandmother made up this song one day when we were young. I remember we had to keep dancing until we got it right!” she recalls fondly.
Anzel Labatch: “The carvings were made by all the kids in W.L. McLeod Elementary School. They learned a lot about how to carve the animals. It was fun carving with my uncles and my friends.”
Alexis Anderson: “We are glad we had this experience at the school with the professional carvers teaching us how to carve.”
Aleah Weaver: “I had fun learning how to use the carving tools and smelling the bark.”
Ethan Harper: “Carving is fun and helps teach students about my culture.”
Seth Habsburg: “First Nation culture is very important to me, it helps me learn about myself and my family history. Carving the poles was a very fun and cultural experience. I would love to learn more about carving in the future.”
Mikayla Goodwin: “I’m honored to be at this ceremony. I’m proud to be able to learn different cultures and be able to know a lot about First Nations. We have learned many things about First Nations culture. I’m very glad that we were able to learn about how the people lived off the land and the importance of the rivers. Thank you to everyone that is able to teach us about this wonderful culture.”
Recognition was given to the work of Principal Libby Hart and School District Maintenance staff and wood craftsmen Henry Klassen and Allan Pagdin who prepared the posts. Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Johnny, Mrs. Weaver, Mrs. Mueller, Mrs. Thomas were thanked for providing bannock and juice that everyone enjoyed afterwards. Councillor Kevin Moutray kindly set up the sound system and attended on behalf of the District of Vanderhoof.
- with files from Libby Hart, Pris Mueller
