Carlton Comprehensive High School Celebrates Indigenous Day

At Carlton Comprehensive High School on Treaty 6 Territory in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, over 60% of the student population is Indigenous.

For these students, cultural identity and pride are key to building self-esteem and a strong sense of community. That’s why Carlton’s annual Indigenous Day Celebration has become such an important tradition at the school, bringing together students, staff, and community members to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

The event is a day-long celebration filled with cultural activities and workshops. This year’s event included traditional drumming, storytelling and dance performances, celebrating Indigenous histories and traditions. Students play a central role in the organization and execution of the event. They introduce guest speakers, run workshops, create the event pamphlet, help MC the grand entry, and lead the school’s trade fair. This hands-on involvement encourages students to engage deeply with their heritage and learn proper protocols when working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, helping them build leadership skills and confidence in their own cultural identity.

Thanks to support from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the 2024 Indigenous Day Celebration also featured a new addition: traditional cultural foods like moose, elk, deer, and fish, all prepared in traditional ways. For many students, it was a first chance to try these foods and learn more about the customs surrounding them.

By experiencing these cultural teachings firsthand, students are learning the importance of truth and reconciliation at a young age, setting the stage

Diocese of Prince Albert