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A Lovely Surprise

Since 2008, I have been a member of my board's FNMI Steering Committee. It has been a highlight of my career. I have written curriculum, helped to influence policy, but more importantly, I have made friendships with wonderful colleagues and members our of local Native communities. Now as an VP, I have worked to promote our self-identification process and the various Native Studies courses.

It never ceases to amaze me how people react when I share this experience. "How many of those kids can there possibly be in Catholic schools?" they ask. It doesn't really matter. Read the MOE policy framework: this good work benefits all kids and I'm proud to be a part of a movement that promotes cultural sensitivity and awareness, and fosters communication between two historically estranged communities, all in the interest of doing what is best for kids.

Today, I attended what I thought would be our last committee meeting of the year and instead, we were surprised with a drum making workshop! Our facilitator John, a Metis artist from Saskatchewan (www.skybuffalo.net) began with a beautiful and emotional song. I'm not sure if the emotion I was feeling was rooted in just how tired I'm currently feeling, because I didn't understand the words. I guess that's one of the most remarkable things about music- it transcends language.  It was also great to participate in an exercise completely outside my comfort zone. It's important to do that from time to time. Here are some photos:





My next challenge is determining how to birth my drum. That should be interesting... 

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