Bent Arrow helps schools celebrate aboriginal culture with families

By Maxwell Rausch

EDMONTON — Prince Charles School is ready to host a night of aboriginal culture and celebration on Nov. 15, alongside  the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.

Prince Charles is one of several west Edmonton schools that have joined with Bent Arrow since 2006 to stage the monthly event, dubbed Wichitowin Night.

Andrea Watchmaker, the aboriginal programs co-ordinator with Bent Arrow, said the partnership started to engage aboriginal students and their families. “They just weren’t seeing [the parents] there at the schools,” Watchmaker said.

“Maybe it was because they felt left out,” she added, “but they just weren’t comfortable coming there.”

Watchmaker said Wichitowin Night has turned into a staple event for many families.

“I had parents asking me before September when the next Wichitowin Night would be,” she said.

Prince Charles principal Judy Toews said she’s seen the benefits in her own school as well.

“It’s one way they can come to the school and be in a non-threatening, welcoming environment,” Toews said.

“Wichitowin” is a Cree word meaning “all together.” Since it started, Wichitowin Night has become increasingly popular: the last one catered to over 100 guests, Watchmaker said.

Brightview, Youngstown, Glendale, Belmead, Athlone and Sherwood schools are also partners with Bent Arrow. The schools take turns hosting Wichitowin Night on the third Tuesday of every month.

Toews said Prince Charles faces special challenges as a host because 95 per cent of her students rely on buses to get to school.

“I know a couple core families that come to Wichitowin Night whichever school it’s at,” Toews said. “The extra effort those families make to come out, that’s something to be celebrated,” Toews said.

Watchmaker is willing to assist with transportation. Any families who need transportation can call her in advance, and she can give them a ride in her 15-passenger van.

Wichitowin Night offers a free supper and live entertainment, and is completely open to the public. The food is paid for between the participating schools, and prepared by Bent Arrow volunteers.

Before dinner is served, the guests “smudge” the food, a traditional way of giving thanks, Watchmaker said. “It’s just a prayer from your heart,” she said, “but sometimes one of the guests will say one that they’ve heard before or from their family.”

The Prince Charles Guitar and Fiddle Group, comprised of music students in Grades 3 to 6, will provide the entertainment for the evening. One of the performers, Grade 6 student Colten Bear, won an Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award for his musical accomplishments.

Toews said the schools’ partnership with Bent Arrow has been a healthy one.

“We’ve got a good thing going,” she said.

Watchmaker agrees. “We need our parents to feel comfortable in the schools,” she said.

 

Update: hear a clip of the performance by the Prince Charles Guitar and Fiddle Group below.

Prince Charles Guitar and Fiddle Group (update) by westedmontonlocal