KAMH's Collaboration with Mrs. Sylvia Wastesicoot

Class KAMH was very fortunate to benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with Mrs. Sylvia Wastesicoot, a Pembina Trails School Division Indigenous Student Success Teacher.  In March, Mrs. Wastesicoot visited kindergarten introduced the students to “The Medicine Wheel” that teaches us to live together in peace/harmony with ourselves and all life upon Mother Earth. The class learned about the “Four Elements” -earth, water, air and fire as well as the four parts that human beings are made of, the intellectual, spiritual, physical and social/emotional.  The students discovered where Winnipeg's electricity and water comes from.  

Students participated in a “Sharing Circle” where they learned that respect can be shown by listening and looking at the person who is sharing or speaking. Students also learned about the “Seven Sacred Teachings” that are love, respect, courage, honesty, humility, wisdom and truth.  

As part of their time with Mrs. Wastesicoot, the students enjoyed being part of a "Round Dance".  They had the honour of hearing Mrs. Wastesicoot sing her beautiful song entitled, “We Are One Love” with her guitar.  Each student took home a paper that demonstrated the four elements and four parts of a human being to share with their families at home.  Bairdmore School is grateful that Sylvia shared gifts as a teacher, musician and storyteller with KAMH.  We are all better people for spending time with Mrs. Wastesicoot and hope we can learn from her again one day.