Wâhkôhtowin School marks 50 years, celebrates Cree language program milestone

Saskatoon’s first Cree School marks its 50th anniversary and 20 years of its Cree language and culture program. Laura Woodward reports.

Saskatoon’s first public Cree school is celebrating two milestones — its 50th anniversary and 20 years of its Cree language and culture program.

Wâhkôhtowin School students, staff and visitors gathered Thursday for a powwow featuring dancers, drummers and singers from schools across Saskatoon.

Shalene Herron, the principal of Wâhkôhtowin School (formerly Confederation Park School), said the anniversary highlights the growing presence of Indigenous language and culture in schools.

“There was a time in our history where you wouldn’t be allowed to have a powwow at a school, so this is very exciting,” Herron said.

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The event reflected the meaning of the school’s name, Wâhkôhtowin, a Cree word that refers to kinship and the relationships that connect people to one another.

“It brings me to my relationship with my family and my culture. It makes me feel very connected,” said Sakihitowin, a 12-year-old traditional dancer.

Audrey Ben, a Cree teacher at the school, said seeing Indigenous and non-Indigenous students come together for the celebration was emotional.

“It makes me really proud. It actually brought tears to my eyes,” Ben said.

“You look around and it’s so beautiful. So many people. The kids are happy. They’re proud.”