Honouring Cory Cardinal Jr: Balancing Lifelong Learning through Nehiyawak Pimachimowin

Kapawe’no First Nation – At Kapawe’no Nehiyawak School, Mr. Cory Cardinal, in his second year teaching, is making a significant impact by blending pimachimowin with regular core subjects. Teaching Grade 3, he focuses on integrating nehiyawak pimachimowin and the nêhiyawêwin into daily learning. His approach goes beyond textbooks, reflecting a desire to connect students deeply with nêhiyawêwin and the drum.

Inspired by his father, Cory Cardinal Sr., and his moshum late Harold Cardinal, Mr. Cardinal learned the value of nehiyawak pimachimowin. In his classroom, he uses engaging tools, like Blooket, to teach the four core subjects while highlighting nehiyawak pimachimowin. By weaving nêhiyawêwin into lessons, he helps students naturally embrace the language as a part of their everyday experiences.

Every morning, the powerful beat of the grandfather drum awakens the school, led by Mr. Cardinal and the Muskwak Juniors. This daily ritual strengthens nehiyawak pimachimowin and builds nation spirit among students and staff. His integration of nehiyawak pimachimowin and lifelong learning excellence has earned admiration, reinforcing the importance of ancestral learning alongside ancestral and modern academic balance; nâkateyihtamowin.