The morning began with greetings and a land acknowledgement from St. Mary’s School Principal Lana Klemetski and Cultural Coordinator Christine Deiter. Elder Wayne Kequahtooway, assisted by Jonathan Kequahtooway, opened the morning by leading prayer and a pipe ceremony. Following the pipe ceremony, Jonathan Kequahtooway led the raising of a tipi, while students from the various schools shared tipi teachings, explaining the significance of each pole, while Christine Deiter provided further details on the process and importance of the tipi. Once the tipi was raised, Wayne Kequahtooway provided a blessing for the tipi. Following the blessing, students and staff joined in on a feast prepared by the staff at St. Mary’s School. Included with the feast were sacred foods of lard, berries, tea, and sugar. Bannock and soup were also included in the feast.
Thank you to Elder Wayne Kequahtooway, Jonathan Kequahtooway, Christine Deiter, St. Mary’s kitchen staff, and all who helped prepare and lead the pipe ceremony, raised the tipi, shared tipi teachings, and prepared and served the feast. Thank you to all students and staff who participated in this special day.
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