Sākewew High School to mark 25th anniversary with community powwow

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Bugler said the resulting misunderstanding made reconnecting with students more difficult because some families did not know the school would operate this fall.

“We’ve been working on making sure that our families are all aware that the school is still open,” she said. “We’re just going to continue like we always do.”

The school has welcomed many new faces, including Grade 9 students, transfers from other high schools and students arriving from surrounding communities. Some were drawn by Sākewew’s cultural programming, smaller classes and close-knit environment.

Registrations also remain open for students who have not yet started classes.

“For any latecomers who haven’t started school yet, if they are still wanting to register with us, we are welcoming them with open arms,” Bugler said.

Sākewew’s annual powwow will serve as the main celebration of its anniversary.

“I think it’s super important that we’ve reached this milestone and it’s something to be celebrated for sure,” Bugler said.

Alumni and former staff are being invited to attend and will be honoured during the event. The powwow will move indoors if poor weather prevents it from being held outside.

“Everyone’s welcome,” she said.

(Image Credit: Sākewew High School)

Cultural programming remains central to daily life at Sākewew. Alongside a full academic program, the school holds pipe ceremonies monthly, at the beginning of the school year and at the start of each quad.

It also offers weekly schoolwide smudging, daily access to smudging in its cultural space and a feast during each quad. Breakfast, snacks and lunch are provided free of charge, while a graduation coach supports students from Grade 9 through Grade 12.

“We do call ourselves a Sākewew family,” Bugler said.

“It’s a place where our students are feeling safe and feeling loved and feeling welcomed in their identity and they get to continue to celebrate that through their academic years.”

For Bugler, creating that environment begins with personal connections.

“To be honest, I think it all comes down to the relationship with the students,” she said.

A number of Sākewew’s First Nations staff members, including teachers and educational assistants, have connections with students and surrounding communities. Bugler said feeling safe and supported helps students concentrate on their education and develop skills needed beyond the classroom.

She pointed to the morning gym as one place those connections take shape.

“We also have our gym open,” Bugler said. “Kids really like having that in the morning just to get started, and we have teachers hanging around and, you know, shooting some baskets, shooting some hoops with students, or just sitting there and visiting while watching the activity take place in the mornings.”

Students have also filled the hallways and servery with piano music during the opening weeks.

“It’s good, it’s healthy,” Bugler said. “It feels good to have the school year going.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Sākewew High School to mark 25th anniversary with community powwow

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