Students and staff from Yellowknife Catholic Schools took part in a healing walk on Tuesday as part of activities marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Observed every year on September 30, the day honours residential school survivors, their families and the children who never returned home.
The walk brought together students and staff from Weledeh Catholic School and St Patrick High School, beginning at Weledeh before heading down 52 Ave toward 52 Street and returning to the school.
Paul Kelly, principal of Weledeh Catholic School, said the annual walk is an opportunity for the school community to recognize the experience of Indigenous people and learn from the past.
“This is a part of our country’s history that was often neglected, not spoken about,” Kelly told Cabin Radio.
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Kelly said truth and reconciliation is incorporated into learning throughout the year, rather than being limited to September 30.
The walk was led by Elder Verna Crapeau alongside students and Indigenous language and cultural staff.
“It feels good. I feel it to my roots with my connections to the land,” said Grade 12 student Connor Olson mid-walk.
Gloria Gaudet, a land-based junior kindergarten teacher, said introducing students to these teachings at a young age helps them build an understanding of land and culture.
Throughout the month, Gaudet said, her students learn through books, drumming, storytelling and cultural activities such as feeding the fire.
“They need to, at this age, learn, explore, want to see things,” Gaudet told Cabin Radio. “This is where they learn about the land and our culture. The more we do it, the more they’re understanding.”
