The Indigenous Advisory Council, shown, includes representatives of the NBCHS Indigenous Student Council. (Submitted photo/Madison MacKeracher)

By Angela Brown

Engaging youth

NBCHS starts Indigenous Student Council; offers smudges for positivity

Feb 4, 2022 | 5:00 AM

North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) students looking to connect with their Indigenous culture will have an opportunity to do so by joining the Indigenous Student Council that just started this school year.

Madison MacKeracher, NBCHS Native Studies teacher, as well as First Nations and Métis graduation coach, is helping organize the Indigenous Student Council group. It is a lunchtime club that’s run out of the school’s Gateway to Success room.

“I started it because I want our Indigenous students to feel they can make change in our [school] and feel like they have a voice, and a space where they can share their opinions,” she said.

She added she would like to have Indigenous students’ input on celebrating events such as Aboriginal Storytelling Month going on now, and Indigenous Peoples Day and month this June, as well as other activities.

MacKeracher said it’s also an opportunity to begin conversations about some of the social issues Indigenous peoples face such as the national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

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“That’s why I wanted to start [the Indigenous Student Council] because it’s important to have those conversations and bring awareness to the lived reality of Indigenous people in this community,” she said.

So far, nine kids have signed up with more expected to join later.

Three representatives from the council are also part of the Indigenous Advisory Council through Living Sky School Division.

Smudging for a positive start

NBCHS also provides smudging ceremonies to connect Indigenous kids to their culture.

MacKeracher offers students a time to participate in smudging sessions twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, burning sage to create the fragrant smoke.

“It’s to help provide them a safe space where they can [participate] in our cultural practices,” she said.

The educator said smudging is a good start to the week “to get our minds set and our bodies ready” for the new week ahead. Then, at the end of the week it’s a positive action to send them out into the world in a peaceful way.

Mainly Indigenous students attend the smudges, but everyone is welcome.

“Generally, I’ll talk about the importance of smudging and why we smudge,” MacKeracher said. “It’s about clearing your mind, your heart and your body so that you can do good things.”

In the last school year, participants were required to smudge outside due to COVID-19 protocols, but this year a new ventilation system was added so they are able to smudge inside instead in the designated area.

MacKeracher said she will smudge her eyes, mouth, heart, head, body and feet as a symbolic practice to experience good things in the world.

“The importance of smudging personally is about connecting with my identity and who I am as an Indigenous person. That’s something that I talk with my kids about too,” she said. “It’s a positive space where we can all learn about one another and who we are.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow