‘Now his dream is living on’: Culture camp connecting students with traditions
The Jimmy Roberts Memorial Culture Camp at Churchill Community High School is reconnecting students with their cultural identity.
That’s according to Leonard Roberts who said his brother would be proud to see the students participating in the various traditional activities, which began today with an opening ceremony. He noted back when they attended residential school, there were no cultural teachings so when he became a teacher himself, Jimmy Roberts pushed for more Indigenous education in the curriculum.
“He pushed for this program through the Northern Lights School Division and he finally got it,” Roberts said, adding the camp was named in his honour after he passed away in 2010. “Now his dream is living on and all these kids are going to learn. This is a good example of reconciliation.”
Roberts also noted with so many resources available in La Ronge like lakes, forest and elders, it makes sense to utilizes them in teachings. He said many reserve schools have held such culture camps for years and it’s important for off-reserve school to take part as well. When everybody is participating regardless of background, Roberts said it shows what reconciliation is all about.