Carbon students were joined by Elder Ken Cardinal to officially open its new Cultural Appreciation Center.
The student body gathered in the Carbon School Library for the opening. This space is dedicated to honour and recognize First Nations, Metis, and Inuit culture in the school, serves as an educational learning space, but also a space for reflection.
“Students have their own sacred safe space,” said Grade 5/6 teacher Jody Stockwood, who helped to spearhead the project.
The area includes a custom tipi constructed and painted by the Native Brotherhood Group at the Drumheller Institution, with artwork that represents the school’s virtues and community.
The event took place on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Many students were wearing orange to promote awareness of the residential school system and remember that every child matters.
Elder Ken Cardinal was joined by Dee Chambers, Aboriginal Community Development Officer to lead the dedication with a smudging, and in song. Heather Van Bavel’s Grade 3-4 class also performed a drumming song.
The project was funded by Golden Hills School Division, the Parent Council as well as private donations.