Kapawe’no First Nation – Our Grade 4 Mother’s Day event at Kapawe’no Nehiyawak School was a heartwarming and meaningful celebration, rooted in tradition, love, and the spirit of nation building. The event was a true success thanks to the efforts of our students and the presence of our honoured guests, including Lifetime Councillors Pam and Deb.
We began our day by warmly welcoming our guests—mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and friends—at the door, where students greeted them with smiles and handed out programs. This act of Respect, one of the Seven Sacred Teachings, set the tone for the entire event. Respect teaches us to honor all of Creation, and the way our students interacted with our guests reflected that teaching beautifully.
The program opened with a heartfelt prayer and a performance by our Muskwak Senior drummers, creating a sacred and peaceful atmosphere. Love, the foundation of all teachings, was present throughout the day—expressed through the students’ joyful service and care. Love reminds us to care for one another unconditionally, much like the love we receive from the women we honored.
A light buffet of snacks was served by our dedicated student volunteers, who walked from table to table offering refreshments or stood at the buffet table serving. Their willingness to take responsibility and serve demonstrated Humility, the understanding that we are all equal and that helping others is a strength.
While our guests enjoyed lunch, they were treated to a slideshow titled “Our Year in Grade 4,” highlighting some of the incredible moments from the school year: meet-the-teacher night, the Halloween party, cultural days in neighboring reserve, our Christmas concert, land-based learning such as igloo building, winter activities, birthday parties, Easter egg hunt and exciting projects like “Natural Disasters of the World.” Sharing these moments showed Honesty—the importance of being genuine and proud of who we are and what we’ve learned.
Afterward, the room was filled with laughter and learning during our special version of Bingo—Cree Bingo! As the caller announced Cree words, guests played for prizes based on one line, two lines, all around, or full card wins. This fun and educational game reflected Wisdom, as it allowed students and guests to engage with language and culture in a respectful and enjoyable way. Wisdom reminds us to use our gifts for the betterment of all.
One of the most touching parts of the day was the gift presentation. Each mother received a heartfelt gift from their child—some homemade, others homegrown, and a few with a little extra store-bought flair. These gifts embodied Truth—the act of giving something meaningful from the heart, representing the truth of a child’s gratitude and love for their caregiver.
Finally, we recognized our special guests, Councillors Pam and Deb, with flowers as a token of appreciation and Courage—thanking them for their leadership and support. Courage is the ability to face challenges with dignity, and we are grateful to have strong role models in our community who lead with this value.
Our Mother’s Day event was not just a celebration; it was a reflection of who we are as a grade four family—one that holds fast to the Seven Sacred Teachings and lives them through our words, our actions, and our hearts.
Last modified: May 18, 2025
