Vermilion Elementary School Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

VES students doing beading. Photo Sonya Lee

On Friday, June 20, Vermilion Elementary School (VES) proudly celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day, which officially falls on June 21. The event was a vibrant culmination of the school’s year-long journey exploring the histories, cultures, traditions, and languages of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

The day began with a communal breakfast of freshly prepared bannock, setting a warm and welcoming tone. Throughout the school year, students and staff had engaged in weekly “5-Minute Indigenous Teachings,” and this special day served as a celebration of all they had learned, particularly focusing on Métis culture.

Students participated in a range of engaging activities, including traditional Indigenous games in the gymnasium, like sling ball, stick pull, stone game, hand pull, and academically focused Indigenous-themed games in the classroom. In the Red and Blue room, students worked on a hands-on beading project, creating their own keychains. VES staff had thoughtfully prepared bead kits in advance, ensuring a smooth and meaningful experience for every child.

A highlight of the day was a visit from Métis author Tasha Hilderman, writer of the children’s book Métis Like Me and the upcoming Lights at Night. Hilderman, whose work centers on Métis identity and cultural pride, spent the day speaking with each grade. She read from her books, shared personal insights about Métis life, and answered thoughtful questions from students. Her presence deeply resonated with the students, offering them a powerful and authentic voice from the community they had been studying.

The celebration was not just a fun-filled event but an educational milestone. It helped students deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and provided a lasting memory of inclusion, respect, and learning.

VES continues to lead by example, with 3 Indigenous Leads, fostering a school environment that honours the histories and contributions of Indigenous peoples across Canada.