Honouring Indigenous Cultures: Indigenous Peoples Day & Treaty 8 Anniversary
The Peace River School Division is proud to be located within breathtaking northwestern Alberta, where the waters of the Peace River flow, on land steeped in tradition, resilience, and history. Today, and all month long, staff and students have been celebrating and honoring the Indigenous cultures that have shaped this region for centuries.
This week students across the Division had opportunities to learn how to tan a moose hide, sew their own traditional buckskin medicine bags, observe traditional Indigenous dancers at their schools, search a forested trail for medicinal plants, learn how to make a beaded headdress craft, prepare fry bread, Bannock burgers, and engage in fun Indigenous games, among other things.
While the Peace River School Division seeks to embed Indigenous culture into our learning environments all year round, this week held even greater significance as we celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day and commemorate the 125th anniversary of Treaty 8.
Treaty 8: A Pact of Unity
In 1889, representatives of the Cree, Dene, and other Indigenous nations gathered on the shores of the Peace River. There, they forged a pact with the Canadian government—the historic Treaty 8. This treaty recognized the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples over their ancestral lands and established a foundation for cooperation and mutual respect.
Our Schools on Treaty 8 Territory
The schools within the Peace River School Division stand on Treaty 8 Territory. This land, once traversed by fur traders and explorers, now hosts classrooms where students learn about the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures. From utilizing the Canadian Anthem sang in Cree by one of our graduates to learning the Métis jig, our schools embrace the wisdom and creativity of our Indigenous neighbours.
