Listen Live

Jack Kemp kindergarten brings Indigenous interests into the classroom

Kindergarten students at Jack Kemp Community School we’re able to get up close and learn from traditional Indigenous drummers.

Students from Bishop Lloyd Middle School came into the class to give a presentation and answer questions about the traditional drums and drumming.

Learning about Indigenous culture is part of the students’ cultural immersion curriculum and follows the interests of the students. Jack Kemp teacher Kelsie Sutherland says the presentation exposes students to traditional ceremonies and helps them find a connection to Indigenous culture.

Teacher Kelsie Sutherland says she was showing her students videos of powwow drumming and dances when one of the students showed a particular interest and walked up to a bongo in class and drummed along. Sutherland and teachers at Bishop Lloyd Middle School then got in contact to set up a drum presentation for the kindergarteners. 

“Collaborating with other teachers gives our high school students a chance to share their knowledge because we know that knowledge is not just given from adult to child it’s intergenerational.”

Gage Chocan, a Bishop Lloyd Middle School student, was one of the drummers. He says he started drumming last year as he wanted to learn more about his cultural background.

“It’s sort of an honour to be teaching these kids about my culture and my friend’s culture,” Chocan says. “It’s cool to see the expressions on their faces and seeing that they think it’s cool.”

Chocan hopes to share more of his culture with kids and adults in the future.

“I need to learn more new things about my culture if I want to keep teaching.”

Sutherland says the drumming makes her feel at home as she is from Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation and spent some of her younger years on the reserve. 

“I think a lot of the kids can connect to that and the feeling of longing for culture. It also gives other students a chance to have positive relationships with their peers and a chance to be exposed to a different culture.”

Sutherland says because the students are interested in dance they’re organizing a round dance for the school in November.

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Sask Provincial Beach Volleyball in Lloydminster, July 12-13

Over 20 teams from across Saskatchewan, including 13 from Lloydminster will participate in the Sask Beach Volleyball Provincials at Bud Miller Park, July 12-13.

Lloydminster residents praised for helping police officer involved in collision

Lloydminster residents are being praised for helping a police officer who was involved in a vehicle collision and for giving statements to police.

Wainwright Centennial Clock Celebration, Sep. 13

Wainwright's Centennial Clock Celebration is planned for Saturday, September 13 following the completion of restoration work on the town's iconic landmark.

Man charged after over $1 million damages to Vermilion court, Sheriff vehicles, McDonald’s restaurant

Investigators say the initial estimate of the damages done to the courthouse and vehicles is over $1 million while the damage to McDonald's is about $50,000.

Battlefords RCMP seek suspects in robbery, assualt

Battlefords RCMP seek your help to find two men who may be driving a blue four-door 2015 Hyundai Sonata car with Saskatchewan licence plate 786 LHD. The duo is suspected to be involved in a robbery, and assault.
- Advertisement -