Achi news desk-
The chief of St. Mary’s First Nation is speaking out after receiving a leaked email in which a Fredericton high school teacher is seen comparing the latest rampage at the school to a priest coming in to celebrate communion.
The email, which was posted to social media Thursday morning, appeared to be written by a teacher who said they objected to the powwow being held at the school due to its spiritual nature.
The teacher says that spiritual events are not allowed in the school.
Sitansisk First Nation Chief Alan Fulchis said he was disappointed to see the letter, adding that powwows in schools help foster understanding and learning.
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“We (share) the space with our brothers and sisters. The new immigrants, the Anglophones, the Francophones and the natives, they all go to school together every day, so it’s important that they understand who we are, everyone who studies in these schools,” he said.
Fredericton High School hosted the powwow on May 21st. Another is scheduled to be held at Leo Hayes High School next week.
Paul McIntosh, a spokesman for the Western Anglophone School District, did confirm that they are aware of the powwow-related emails and are taking it seriously.
McIntosh went on to say that powwows are encouraged and supported throughout the county as a way to celebrate and share indigenous teachings and knowledge.
“It was a wonderful celebration of the indigenous culture and community,” McIntosh wrote.
“Our school district, schools and leaders value the relationships we have fostered with six Wolstocki communities, who trust us with their children to a public school and welcome the opportunity to celebrate and learn about Wolstocki culture, history and worldviews.”
Fulchis said that while Native identity is often tied to spirituality, powwows are really an opportunity to share their culture.
“We want to share our culture, it’s education for those who don’t know why we dance, why we sing, why we speak our language,” he said.
Sitansisk is set to hold its annual powwow in June, and as always, it invites the entire Fredericton community.
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