Kapawe’no First Nation – In our shared journey of imbuing learning with cultural vibrancy, the collaborative bond between parents and school emerges as an indispensable pillar. At Kapawe’no First Nation, this alliance is not just procedural; it’s a dynamic partnership fueled by a collective commitment to nurturing our children’s holistic growth. Through the seamless integration of cultural motifs into the learning tapestry, we pay homage to our ancestral legacy while equipping the forthcoming generation for a globally interconnected future.
Together, we cultivate a profound sense of identity, belonging, and pride in our children, empowering them to navigate life’s myriad landscapes with assurance and reverence for their heritage.
In the inspiring journey of Benjamin and Malaya Chartrand, we witness firsthand the profound impact of the collaborative bond between parents and the school community in our ongoing mission to infuse cultural richness into daily learning experiences. Each morning, as our school community convenes both in person and virtually, Benjamin’s unwavering commitment and remarkable fluency in both Nêhiyawêwin and Anishinaabe shine brightly. Both Benjamin and Malaya’s proficiency in these languages has earned them a special place in the heartwarming album, “W.T and Awasisak,” curated by Wayne Jackson, esteemed founder of the Nêhiyawê Cultural Institute.
Tyson and Nerizza Chartrand, the proud parents, have graciously agreed to share their journey with us on how they were able to incorporate culture into learning.
Boozhoo, Tanisi Kiyawaw! Aaniin Gakina awiya. Tyson indizhinikaaz, Mikinaak indoodem, Indinawemaaganag onji Gaa-wiikwedawangaag ishkoniganing Manitoba.
My name is Tyson, I am from Turtle clan, my relatives on my father’s side of the family is
from Sandy Bay First Nations and Duck Bay Manitoba and my mother’s is of the Kehler
Clan from Steinbach Manitoba. Our family lives in St. Albert, Alberta. Niya Mistiko-naapew I am a carpenter and I have just recently successfully completed Year One of the Indigenous Addictions Services Diploma Program at Nechi Institute. I resume my studies this fall. After receiving my diploma, I am seeking to work in an Anishinaabe or Nehiyaw Nation. I would like to share my knowledge and experience with overcoming and conquering addiction through our cultural ways, ceremonies and healing practices. My wife Nerizza and I have been home schooling our children for the past 4 years. Nerizza is from Batangas, Philippines. I teach Benjamin and Malaya in Anishinaabemowin and Nehiyawewin. My wife conversates and teaches them in her native tongue, Tagalog. Benjamin and Malaya are raised in our Ojibway and Nehiyaw ancestorial ways of Mino-Bimaadiziwin, Miyo-Pimatisiwin- the good life” and our sacred teachings and stories of Nanabozo/Wesakechak. We teach Wahkohtowin-Nehiyaw Law and Gichi-Dibaakonigewinan Great Sacred Law. Gikendaasowin, knowledge is entirely in our languages. The history, science, math, education, philosophy and spiritual teachings are in our languages. Our Anishinaabe and Nehiyaw education system teaches our children to become worthy of the earth, Akiwaanzii. My journey to learn Ojibwe and Nehiyaw is ongoing and continuous.
We use and access multiple sources, resources and methods. We teach them in the languages by reading books, movies, writing, music, song, prayer, art, cooking and shopping and in everyday life. There is a lot of learning materials available through various First Nations, Universities, Apps, You tube, online courses and language groups. Benjamin and Malaya also attend a Nehiyawewin Circle in partnership with Wayne Jackson and Nistameyimakanak Blue Quills. Benjamin and Malaya have recently performed with W.T Goodspirit at the River Cree Resort for the 2024 Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization Gathering, for the release of his new double album- Nocikiwikamikosihk “Where the Elders Dwelt” and W.T. and Awasisak . The album is on I tunes and spotify and all proceeds go to the Nehiyawe Cultural Institute for immersion efforts. We are grateful to everyone at Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak School and Nation for allowing our family to be part of your journey and for the opportunity to represent Gaa-wiikwedaawangaag-Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation in a good way, by helping one another “Wicitohk” to build new friendships and to protect and strengthen our families and the next 7 generations.
Maamawi wiiji’ididaa dazhiikamang gidinwewininaan, let’s work together revitalizing our languages. Ekosi! Chi- Miigwetch Niwahkomakanak, Ki-Nanaaskomitinawaw, Hiy, Hiy!
Last modified: May 13, 2024
