Inside King's-Edgehill School
“Taliaq” is a Mi'kmaw word that means “what’s happening?” and on Monday, January 20th, our King’s-Edgehill Junior School students discovered there was lots happening on campus as we experienced our inaugural Day of Indigenous Learning. The day began with a Junior School Assembly in our theatre where Headmaster Seagram opened with a warm greeting, acknowledging that King’s-Edgehill School stands in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq. Welcoming gifts were presented as each of our guests were introduced. The keynote address was by Michael R. Denny (Eskasoni First Nation), the coordinator of the Red Road Project, a youth education and empowerment initiative. Mr. Denny demonstrated the vibrancy of the Mi'kmaw culture through storytelling and his impressive musical talents. His ceremonial drumming and singing echoed through the Fountain Performing Arts Centre, drawing us all into the rhythm and emotion of the moment. Next, it was time for students to leave the theatre and spend the remainder of the day experiencing seven educational workshops led by our passionate panel of guests:
- Michael R. Denny: Tunes and Talk
- Alan Knockwood: Historical Perspectives
- Anna Nibby-Woods: The Talking Stick: Building Consensus
- Pamela and Callum Lovelace: All My Relations
- Paul Primeau: Spiritualism
- Jordan & Doreen Smith: The Honour Song
- Gwen Colman: Share the Earth
Twila MacDonald, our Food Services Director, included a special recipe for Luskinikn at lunch, a traditional Mi'kmaw bread that was appreciated and enjoyed by all. Our closing ceremony was led by Dr. Bernie Francis, an esteemed linguist and published storyteller. A passionate voice for the Mi'kmaw people, he emphasized the importance of keeping languages alive and entertained us with his Mi'kmaw version of “Song for the Mira.” In fellowship, our community joined with our Mi'kmaw elders and guests singing the Honour Song as the final performance of the day.
It was a day of learning and for building meaningful connections. We have many different cultures represented in our KES Global Village, and we are proud to include four Indigenous students from across Canada as part of our community: Jayden Morrow (Grade 11), Isaiah Johnson (Grade 9), Jenna Johnston (Grade 9) and Nicholas Woods (Grade 7).
Our final “Wela'lieg” parting was a Mi'kmaw “thank you” from our group to theirs. I extend a special thank you to Kevin Lakes, Rory Campbell and Pat LePoidevin for making this event happen.
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