Photos courtesy PWPSD

By Erika Rolling

Education

Sexsmith Secondary unveils new Indigenous space in library

Nov 1, 2022 | 12:18 PM

A new space in the library of Sexsmith Secondary School has been unveiled and is dedicated to showcasing Indigenous culture.

The Seven Sacred Teachings, ceremonial items, and artwork created by Albertan artists and in other provinces are on display now.

Angela Creighton and Eric Goodwin, who are both teachers at the school, decided to start the project after the Peace Wapiti School Division Indigenous Education Services Team presented at a Leadership Program meeting for the division.

“We were blown away by the presentation by our Indigenous Education Services team, and realized Sexsmith Secondary School needed an infusion of Indigenous culture and education,” Creighton said in a news release.

Posters with information about what the ceremonial items and artwork represent will be displayed occasionally in the space. The team plans to update the items on display monthly, based on varying celebrations and holidays.

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Rachelle Bell, the school’s Indigenous Education Services support said in a news release: “Not only is it great to see teachers taking the initiative to bring culture into the schools, it’s amazing to see teachers taking the significant steps, and talking to the right people in order to do this in a culturally appropriate way. This is a great step toward reconciliation as it enhances the awareness for all people.”

Bell said she’s excited to see staff helping the school community towards its Indigenization journey to reconciliation.