DMCI Opens Lodge

DMCI has recently opened a new space for Indigenous students to have a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. The lodge offers extra support for students, as well as the opportunity to be around people with similar experiences.

Ms. Boulanger does her best to keep the Lodge open throughout the whole week–asking other teachers to open the lodge on Wednesdays when she’s away. On mornings and afternoons, the Lodge functions as an alternative workspace for students that want to decompress or are struggling in their classrooms. The lunch period typically has more fun activities such as traditional beading.

They aim to have a cultural outing every month–this September being sage picking. Other events include beading grad caps for the graduating grade 12 Indigenous students, going out on hikes to harvest sacred medicinal plants, sweat lodges, and eventually ribbon skirt making. Ms. Boulanger hopes to foster a consistent community throughout the school year and give them opportunities to do things that support their culture.

Two murals have been approved to be created within the lodge.

“Which is awesome because it will make the lodge a lot more warm and welcoming for students,” said Ms Boulanger.

The creation of the murals will be led and driven by indigenous students in DMCI–with non-indigenous students and staff welcome to help them throughout the creation process.

-Written by DMCI Spotlight