Indigenous Students Embrace Cultural Heritage at Manitoba School

Students at the Sergeant Tommy Prince School in the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation are engaging deeply with their cultural history as they approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Throughout the year, these students learn about their heritage, emphasizing the importance of truth and reconciliation in their education.

In preparation for Orange Shirt Day, students of various ages have been involved in projects and guest presentations designed to deepen their understanding of their community’s history. This initiative reflects a commitment to cultural education, ensuring that students are well-versed in their identity as Anishinaabeg while also navigating the broader world.

Former director of education Wendell Sinclair, who has retired but remains active in the school’s cultural teachings, expressed pride in the educational framework now in place. Sinclair’s grandchildren attend the school, and he highlighted the importance of learning to thrive in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous contexts. “Our students have to learn to live in both worlds,” he told Global Winnipeg.

Sinclair’s perspective is shaped by his own experiences; he attended a residential school in Brandon, Manitoba, from 1965 to 1970. He noted the significant difference in curriculum and cultural exposure at Sergeant Tommy Prince School compared to his own childhood education. “The residential school system tried to take that away from us,” he said, reflecting on the lasting impact of his past.

He expressed hope for today’s students, saying, “It’s a sign to me that we’ve made progress back to learning who we are.” Sinclair believes that the cultural positivity experienced at the school is vital in contrast to the negativity he faced in his early education.

Principal Wendy McPherson emphasized the school’s mission to empower students through a curriculum rooted in their culture. She stated that it is crucial for students to understand their heritage and the value they bring to the world. “They are the generation that has the power to change some of the outlooks and some of the past wrongs,” McPherson said.

This educational approach aims not only to enrich the students’ cultural identity but also to foster advocacy for change within their communities and beyond. As the school continues its programming, it remains focused on nurturing a sense of belonging and pride among its students.

The ongoing commitment to cultural education at Sergeant Tommy Prince School serves as a vital step towards a more inclusive future, reinforcing the notion that the world is waiting for the unique contributions of Indigenous youth.