By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
As part of Chinook's Edge's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, their graduation ceremonies now feature celebrations of Indigenous culture. Métis students wear sashes, which symbolize accomplishment and achievement, and are presented with pride and positive energy for their future. Other students receive medicine pouches, which represent wisdom and a connection to the creator. These pouches contain a white stone for grounding and sweet grass for kindness, strength, and resilience.
An Indigenous Elder smudges the sashes, medicine pouches, and their contents before they are distributed to schools, intending to bless the students with good thoughts and wishes as they transition into adulthood.
Seleah Organ, a graduate of École Olds High School, was presented with an eagle feather by her mother during her graduation ceremony. She expressed her honor in accepting the feather, which symbolizes her responsibility to share her knowledge with her family and community. Organ appreciated her school's openness to incorporating her family's traditions into the ceremony, as it allowed her to proudly showcase her culture to her school and community.
Organ emphasized the pride she felt in having her mother participate in the ceremony, highlighting the school's efforts to embrace and value each individual's uniqueness. Meaghan Reist, Principal of École Olds High School, noted that recognizing Indigenous students with sashes and medicine pouches enhances their graduation experience and demonstrates small steps toward reconciliation. This practice celebrates all aspects of a student's educational journey and serves as a model for the broader community.