Wawa students to discover the richness of the Métis and First Nations cultures
Janique Labelle (foreground) drums as she was taught by her Elders. Submitted photos
Janique Labelle with her traditional drum. Submitted photo.
WAWA, ON – As part of the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario’s (CSCNO) Aboriginal Education Program, students from Wawa’s École Saint-Joseph will welcome Mrs. Janique Labelle to their school on Friday, April 11. This Métis and Anishinaabe visitor will lead a drumming workshop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for grades 7 to 12 students.
Janique Labelle will bring some 20 drums from the CSCNO with her to École Saint-Joseph, including a larger drum made from deer hide, and teach students how to hold a drum and follow the rhythm. The goal of this cultural activity is to encourage students and staff to discover Métis and First Nation cultures through drumming and chant.
Janique is a proud Métis whose personal mission is to see the culture handed down from her Algonquin-Anishinaabe and French-Canadian ancestors thrive. In her Mattawa family, she was raised to appreciate the value and importance of spreading Métis songs, recipes and traditions. After living briefly in Southwestern Ontario, Janique now makes her home in Chapleau, from where she gives back to her community by sharing the knowledge she learned over the years from her mentors and Elders.
The CSCNO, whose Aboriginal Education program is amongst the most proactive in Ontario, is offering this opportunity to its students to support Aboriginal students (First Nation, Métis and Inuit) and help them reach their full potential. The Board’s program includes initiatives that support awareness, learning and success at school, and seeks to instill pride and belonging towards their Native cultures.
MORE INFO
The Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario offers a French Catholic Educational Program that is widely recognized for its excellence. The CSCNO provides a quality academic program that runs from early childhood to adult education, with some 7,000 students in 27 elementary and 10 secondary schools.
