Reconciliation in Action: Indigenous Teachings at Meadows West School

As part of Meadows West School’s deep commitment to learning, healing and cultural connection, Indigenous teachings are brought to life through an ongoing relationship with Elder Jennifer and her daughter Rose. Each visit helps students feel seen, valued, and encouraged to explore their identities. 

From traditional storytelling and teepee teachings to the hands-on making of ribbon skirts and shirts, this guidance nurtures pride, confidence, and belonging. These shared experiences often lead to meaningful moments when students wear what they have created and feel the support of a community that honours their journey. 

But what do these experiences mean to the students themselves? How are these connections shaping the way they learn, grow, and see the world around them?

Creating long-lasting connectionsStudents created their own ribbon skirts and showcased them during a National Indigenous Peoples Day fashion show.

Elder Jennifer, first connected with the school through teacher Lauren Stearns. Since April, they have been working together, to boost the school’s efforts towards Indigenous teachings. Elder Jennifer is also joined by her daughter Rose and together have been able to share with students across different grades. 

“They bring knowledge and calm, just with their presence. This connection has allowed students to discover parts of themselves and find gifts they didn’t know they carried” says Stearns.

During their weekly visits, Elder Jennifer and Rose guide students through a variety of cultural teachings. Older students explore teepee teachings, younger ones listen to traditional stories, and all grades take part in activities like sewing ribbon skirts and shirts, drumming, dancing, and sage picking. Each activity offers a meaningful way to connect with culture and community. 

“The kids got to be hands-on with the sewing machine,” recalls Stearns, reflecting on one of these teaching sessions. “The joy and pride they showed when they wore what they had created was palpable. Their faces just lit up”

Discovery, pride and joy

Guided by Elder Jennifer and Rose, students take part in hands-on cultural learning.For students, the impact is both personal and profound. “I felt happy because I was learning something new,” says T'enna, one of the participating students. 

Their faces light up as they recall favourite moments, some speak of the calm and connection to Mother Earth they feel while sage picking, others share the excitement of learning powwow steps or using a sewing machine for the very first time. Each memory is filled with a sense of discovery, pride, and joy.

Some students admit they were nervous at first, unsure of what to expect from learning with Elders, but that hesitation soon turned into connection. 

“I was looking to learn more about my heritage, and I think I did” recalls Tessa. 

After these experiences, the students want to continue their learning journey. “I want to learn about sacred pipes,” said one. “I want to learn about medicines,” said another. 

Reconciliation in action

This work is part of a broader, ongoing commitment to reconciliation within Winnipeg School Division. “This is reconciliation in action,” said Stearns. “It’s about decolonizing education, making it more inclusive, more accessible. And it’s about ensuring all students see the value in Indigenous knowledge and teachings”

One of the most emotional moments came during the school’s National Indigenous Peoples Day assembly. To celebrate their creations, each student walked a runway in front of the entire school, dressed in their ribbon skirts and shirts. “Most of us adults were in tears,” Stearns recalled. “To see their joy, their pride, and the way the whole community stood behind them, it was unforgettable.”

Looking Forward with Open HeartsIn this picture: Sienna G. (Grade 7) , Lucas B. (Grade 6), Jordyn L. (Grade 8), T'enna M. (Grade 7), Tessa Watkinson (Grade 6), Sophia T. (Grade 4) and teacher Lauren Stearns. 

While Elder Jennifer’s role now takes her elsewhere, the relationship built at Meadows West continues. Rose will join students for sage picking later this month, and the school is already planning how to deepen this learning in the future. 

“We’ve only just started,” said Stearns. “The students are eager. They’re asking questions, they want to know more”