Trafalgar Castle School is commemorating National Indigenous History Month by recognizing the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Through a series of events, open conversations, and guest speakers, we are honouring First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
We were pleased to welcome Kim Wheatley, a cultural knowledge keeper, to the school earlier this month. Ms. Wheatley led important discussions with both our Lower and Upper School students and shared the significance of the natural world to the Indigenous culture through a series of songs and storytelling.
Ms. Wheatley is Turtle Clan from Shawanaga First Nation and spoke about the love she has for her community and her hopes to change the world one heart at a time. She also told the story of how Turtle Island got its name, shared the importance of the eagle feather as a symbol of honour, and spoke about respecting nature.
Respecting nature is a key component of our Indigenous Studies Club and we are proud of their initiative to create a Native Plant Garden. The garden will honour the First Peoples on this land, renew our relationship with the Earth, and be a place for others to learn about nature and sustainability. The Native Plant Garden will include a variety of beautiful native plant families and will be created along the fence between the tennis court and parking lot when students return in the fall.
To learn more about National Indigenous History Month, please click here.