Indigenous Celebrations and Ceremonies
At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, learning extends beyond the classroom through meaningful cultural experiences, celebrations, ceremonies, and community gatherings. These opportunities help students strengthen their sense of identity, belonging, and connection while learning from Indigenous perspectives, traditions, and ways of knowing.
Throughout the school year, students may participate in a variety of learning experiences, including:
- Learning from the land through outdoor and land-based education
- Learning from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members
- Powwow teachings, dancing, and hoop dancing
- Traditional Indigenous games and activities
- Artist residencies and cultural workshops
- Indigenous language learning opportunities
- Ceremonies and gatherings that support learning, reflection, and community
- Community events that celebrate culture, relationship, and shared learning
These experiences are thoughtfully integrated into our school program and complement students' academic, cultural, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Families will receive regular updates about upcoming celebrations, ceremonies, and learning opportunities through school communications and our monthly newsletter. We encourage families to join us whenever possible as we celebrate learning and strengthen our connections to community.
Smudging
Smudging is an important cultural practice that is woven into daily practice at Niitsitapi Learning Centre. For many Indigenous Peoples, smudging is a way to promote wellness, reflection, positive intentions, and a sense of balance. It provides an opportunity to slow down, prepare for learning, and strengthen connections with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
Throughout the school year, students may participate in smudging as part of classroom learning and cultural teachings. During a smudge, a small amount of sage is burned and students are invited to take part in a respectful and age-appropriate way. Smudging often provides a time for quiet reflection, gratitude, prayer, or setting intentions for the day.
Smudge teachings are guided by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous staff, helping students learn about the significance, purpose, and protocols associated with this important practice. Smudging is often followed by a talking circle, where students have opportunities to listen, share, reflect, and build community with one another.
At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, smudging is one of the many ways we honour Indigenous cultures, support student well-being, and create a welcoming learning environment grounded in respect, relationship, and belonging.
Celebrations of Learning
At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, we believe that learning is strongest when students, families, and community come together to celebrate growth and achievement. Three times each school year, we host Celebrations of Learning school assemblies where families are invited to join us as students share their learning in meaningful and engaging ways.
These special gatherings provide opportunities for students to showcase classroom projects, performances, artwork, land-based learning experiences, and learning connected to Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing. Celebrations often highlight the skills, knowledge, and confidence students have developed while honouring the important role of family and community in each child's learning journey.
Please refer to the school calendar for assembly dates and times. Visitors are asked to sign in at the main office upon arrival.
In addition to our Celebrations of Learning, families are invited to participate in several community events throughout the year, including:
- Meet the Staff Event (September)
- Winter Solstice Ceremony (December)
- Year-End Transition Moving Camp Ceremony (June)
These events help strengthen connections between students, families, staff, Elders, and community while recognizing important milestones, accomplishments, and shared experiences throughout the school year.
Drumming and Traditional Teachings
At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, students have opportunities to learn about the cultural significance of drumming and singing through age-appropriate teachings shared by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members. These experiences help students deepen their understanding of Indigenous traditions, stories, and ways of knowing.
As part of this learning, students may participate in traditional drumming and singing, as well as hands-on experiences such as creating hand drums and drumsticks under the guidance of Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Through these teachings, students learn about respect, responsibility, community, and the important role of the drum in many Indigenous cultures.
We encourage all students to participate in these learning experiences. We also recognize that cultural teachings and family practices vary. For students who are not permitted to use a traditional hand drum, alternative percussion instruments, including synthetic drums, can be provided so that all students can participate respectfully and comfortably in the learning.