Students at St. Joseph Elementary consumed more than bannock and conversation last week; they also learned lessons in culture, reconciliation and community.
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On Sept. 22, Lloydminster Catholic District School Board Indigenous Programming Coordinator Cynthia Young spent the afternoon sharing teachings with students as part of a fall celebration. The event mixed stories, questions and fresh bannock baked that morning.
“They ask about everything,” said Young. “Treaties, hunting, even what goes into bannock. I want little seeds planted in their minds so they want to learn more about Indigenous culture.”
Young said the goal is to build understanding early.
“If kids of all colours learn about one another at this age, they won’t see division later. It removes fear and replaces it with knowledge.”
The division continued its outreach at Weaver Heritage Park on Sept. 29 during the City’s Culture Days. Young reminded students and families to wear orange shirts on Sept. 30 in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day.
“They need to know what it means, what it’s about and what we’re hoping for in the future, that we’re all friends and good neighbours who take care of one another,” she said.
Young also noted Catholic schools integrate reconciliation and faith into their teachings.
“We teach the golden rule: treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s about building community and showing love for one another.”
For Young, reconciliation is about answering questions with honesty, planting knowledge and making sure students carry those lessons into the future.
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