As part of one of Phoenix School’s goals this year, rooms 4,
15, and 16 have been learning about the importance of water from an Indigenous
perspective. We have been fortunate enough to have our school division’s
Indigenous Educator, Richelle Scott, come out a number of times to do some important
teachings about water. Two of her visits included a freezing ceremony in the
fall and a thawing ceremony in the spring. Both ceremonies included a walking field
trip down Alboro St. to the Assiniboine River. We
learned about how women are the carriers of water in the Indigenous culture and
about how they show their respect for water. It was an excellent experience for
teachers and students and an interesting glimpse into the Indigenous culture.