Pakisiwin Tournament returns to PRSD
The fieldhouse at the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex was a boisterous and exciting place on Thursday, April 18 as the Peace River School Division welcomed the return of the Divisional Pakisiwin (Hand Games) Tournament. This tournament has not taken place Divisionally since 2019 because of the COVID-10 pandemic.
This year, the event welcomed 16 teams from all corners of the Division, representing nearly every PRSD school. At the end of the event, there were a few teams who walked away with top honours.
Awards
Elementary Chanters: Red Earth Creek School
Elementary Movers and Shakers: Hines Creek Composite School
Elementary Second Place Winners: Red Earth Creek School
Elementary First Place Winners: Hines Creek Composite School
Jr./Sr. High Chanters: Paul Rowe Jr./Sr. High School
Jr./Sr. High Movers and Shakers: Paul Rowe Jr./Sr. High School
Jr./Sr. High Second Place Winners: Lloyd Garrison School
Jr./Sr. High First Place Winners: Paul Rowe Jr./Sr. High School
"All you youngsters keep giving me that energy to keep teaching Pakisiwin in schools," said Elder Herman Sutherland. "Nobody is a loser today, everybody is a winner because you are playing a little bit of my culture. I sure appreciate it that you guys are playing it and enjoyed it, and I hope it made your guys' day."
Elder Sutherland taught students in all PRSD schools how to play Pakisiwin and was the lead judge at this years' tournament. The PRSD expresses sincere gratitude to Elder Sutherland for his role in helping us revive Pakisiwin in our school division.
Up Next for our Hand Games Teams
The PRSD has been invited to send an Elementary and Jr./Sr. High team to participate in the High Prairie Regional Youth Hand Games Tournament at the High Prairie Traditional Pow Wow on May 4. The participating teams will be determined based on their achievement at the PRSD tournament, and their ability to attend the tournament on May 4.
Indigenous history, culture and traditions are integrated into everyday learning across the Division. Throughout our schools students are also provided opportunities to participate Indigenous arts and crafts, the Blanket Exercise, listening to the teachings of Elders, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, Eagle feather ceremonies for high school graduates, Aboriginal Studies courses, storytelling, participation in Orange Shirt Day, culture clubs and more.
