St. John's Day of Knowledge 2019

When it comes to celebrating Indigenous culture, June is one of the marquee months, with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, WSD’s own Celebration Pow Wow and many other pow wows throughout Manitoba and the rest of the country.

St. John’s High School has also traditionally held its annual Day of Knowledge in June, offering students, staff and the community a chance to learn more about Indigenous culture and the many other cultures that are part of the community fabric.

“For four years, we have had this day of cultural celebration,” said Principal Doug Taylor. “This day is extremely important for us. A founder of Reconciliation Canada once said ‘our future and the well-being of all our children rests with the kind of relationships we build today.’ Our purpose today is to build relationships with our diverse population at St. John’s High School.”

Student emcees Shay-Ann Jolicoeur and Lukighe Kissu said that cultural diversity was a strength.

“There are many different cultures represented at St. John’s High School. Each brings a different point of view and perspective based on how they were raised. By getting to know each other and understanding one another we can learn new and exciting things about the world outside of Peg City,” Shay-Ann said. “Don’t take today as a day off classes…take it as a day of travel.”

One of the many cultural stations running throughout the day was conducted by Manitoba Lacrosse.

Known as Canada’s official summer sport, lacrosse was played by North American Indigenous communities as early as 1100 AD. Games could be played over several kilometres of field for several days, with teams sometimes numbering in hundreds of players per side. Today, the game is played at the professional level in the National Lacrosse League, which has teams in both the United States and Canada.

“I love to pass along the history that I was given as a child about The Creator’s Game, it’s connection to Mother Earth, and how it’s brought peace and harmony to people,” said Matt Garvey, Executive Director of Manitoba Lacrosse. “It’s definitely important, especially in Manitoba where we have so many people of Indigenous backgrounds. This is a great opportunity for Manitoba to grow lacrosse in this province and connect with Indigenous groups. There are some very passionate Indigenous groups here in Winnipeg and up in places like Thompson and Sagkeeng, that are very proud in lacrosse. I definitely think that’s something we can connect with and help to grow the game.”