Tipi Teachings

At the 2021 Teachers' Convention, 5e/6e année teacher Josée Ruel participated in a cultural learning experience with Elder Phillip Campiou. Elder Campiou shared stories from the past, including traditional uses of the Tipi and the significance of the materials, and provided insight into the present. Inspired by the teachings, Madame Josée recently shared this learning with her students, and the class got to work planning to create their tipis while learning about its importance. Using a leather material, the students cut and painted the fabric and then stitched it together using sticks to represent the tipi poles. Once the project was complete, the Grade 5/6 students hosted a COVID-safe exposition for the school to share in the learning. The students and staff of École Jasper Elementary School appreciated the opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture through the significance of the tipi, and the fantastic details and beautiful craftsmanship of the tipis created by the students.