Lasalle Secondary School unveils Aboriginal room and mural

Lasalle Secondary School Principal Craig Runciman congratulated students who worked on the Aboriginal room and mural, including Beth Wabano, left, Travis Shawanda and Rebecca Shawana under the direction of Aboriginal Support Worker Brian Slegers.

Lasalle Secondary School today unveiled an Aboriginal room and mural as part of ongoing efforts to nurture and celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit education in Rainbow Schools. Native students visit the Aboriginal room regularly to meet friends, access resources and share their culture and traditions with non-Native students.

“Having a place within the school that Native students can call their own enhances student success,” said Lasalle Secondary School Principal Craig Runciman. “When students feel welcome and see their culture and identity reflected in their school, they experience a sense of belonging. Being able to access relevant resources enriches the learning experience.”

Rainbow District School Board Director of Education, Jean Hanson, commended the students and staff of Lasalle Secondary School for their vision. “This is another way in which First Nations, Métis and Inuit students are receiving the support they need to achieve their full potential and fulfill their aspirations.” She added: “Non-Aboriginal students are also invited to enjoy the room, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives.”

Native students at Lasalle Secondary School helped to develop the Aboriginal room, which they have named Anishnabe Wigwam. “Students use the room to gather for lunch, do their school work, receive counseling, liaise with outside agencies, and obtain additional encouragement,” said Principal Runciman. “The space provides a positive, healthy peer environment where students support each other and share their pride in their history.”

The mural depicts a variety of First Nations traditions – the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers; a strawberry, the first fruit of the season commonly used in ceremonial practices; sweet grass, a traditional medicine in smudging; the northern lights, which offer a spiritual connection to the sky world; a teepee, the traditional shelter and place of gathering/teaching; a hoop dancer representing the celebration of life and all its goodness; Grandfather sun, another symbolism of life; the eagle, an image of strength, persistence and everlasting life; a pipe, representing mother earth, prayer, peace, brotherhood and a spiritual connection; a turtle, illustrating Turtle Island (North America) and the creation story; and the medicine wheel, showcasing the four directions, multiculturalism, holism and solidarity.

Students Sara Buchanan, Brittany Eshquibe, Janelle Morrison, Rebecca Shawana, Travis Shawanda, Bethaleen Wabano and Christianna Wabano created the mural under the direction of Aboriginal Support Worker Brian Slegers and Aboriginal Outreach Worker

Teresa Manitowabi.

“The mural is inspiring in its symbolism and innovative in its creativity,” said Principal Runciman. “It will serve as a rich reminder of the contribution of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people for generations to come.”

Sponsors include Barrydowne Paint and Wallpaper, Nulook Wall Covering and Paints, Pittsburgh Paints, Sherwin-Williams Company and P.C. Paramedics. “We are grateful to our sponsors for their contribution to this important project,” said Principal Runciman.

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Media Contact:

Craig Runciman, Principal, Lasalle Secondary School,

Rainbow District School Board, 705.566.2280.