Penhold Elementary School strengthens understanding and enjoys celebration through Indigenous Cultural Residency

Penhold Elementary School is richer in understanding after a week long Indigenous cultural residency. The residency, that occurred during the week of April 14, was one of five supported by Chinook’s Edge School Division this year, with the intent of progressing the work of Truth and Reconciliation in schools. 

“We experienced a real immersion into the culture,” says Lisa Baird, Principal of Penhold Elementary School. “It brought people together - students, staff, and families - to celebrate. At the final pow wow, it felt like more than just a performance. After all the learning we did, coming together on that final day came with an increased connection and appreciation. We could feel that the Indigenous presenters were sharing and living their experience of where they came from. It was really special and something that impacted us.” 

Baird says she appreciated the opportunity to have a cultural residency.  “We wanted to bring the Indigenous culture into our school and build understanding for students,  especially for student who may not have known much about Indigenous history and culture before.” 

Clare Butterfly, an Indigenous knowledge keeper, partnered with the school to create the residency. 

“This residency had multiple pieces all working together in a short period of time. Students received storytelling, drumming, art and dance,” says Butterfly. “It keeps everything relevant and impactful for students. I enjoyed being a part of it.” 

Clare Butterfly’s father, Wilfred Butterfly, was part of the residency.

“He told stories from his life, like an adventure killing a bear, or how long it took to walk to Rocky Mountain House,” says Baird. “His story telling approach really brought the history and language alive. The students were eager to hear from him.” 

Student Chloe M. says, “I  liked the way I was able to picture the stories in my mind and learning all about the [Mistapeyo] Sasquatch!”

Another part of the residency was to work with Butterfly to create an art piece based on the medicine wheel and customized to the school community. The students will move to the newly built Penhold Waskasoo Middle School next school year. Since they have chosen the Redwing blackbird as their mascot, the Redwing is in the center of Butterfly’s newly created artwork. Also, because Waskasoo means “Elk”, there are Elk in the image.

“We’re excited to move this piece over with us to the new school,” says Baird. “It speaks to who we are as a school, and is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives.”

To watch Indigenous singing and dancing at Penhold Elementary, on Facebook, click here.