from:
Lillian Gadwa-Crier
Teacher – klbschool

Kisipatnahk School – Louis Bull Reserve, Hobbema, Alberta

It has been 3 months since we implemented the National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) activities at our school. The week-long activities were excellently organized and ran in our school. We had support from community members and/or resources and continue to have that support in our school functions to this date.

We have school-wide lunches at our school every second Friday. This continues to promote school unity and the students are learning to get along with each other. The meals prepared by our school kitchen cooks are healthy portions of required food from the 4 food groups.

The monthly Cree values are focused on by each classroom. The value is introduced in Cree during our prayer/flag song ceremony every morning. Each class continues to partake in the prayer routine. This is enhancing their Cree pride in oneself. This month’s Cree value is “Nanaskomowin” – being grateful.

The Cree classes continue to promote positive influences in their lives by sharing stories and/or beliefs of our Cree Ways.

It would be so wonderful if NAAW was implemented in every school in the province. We need to stamp out negative influences and/or practices from our children’s lives.

Hope this is sufficient – please respond to me via email.

Lillian Gadwa-Crier
Teacher – klbschool

March 2, 2009