On October 8, 2026, Holy Spirit Catholic Schools brought students, staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community members together for a meaningful celebration of Indigenous culture, tradition and belonging at the division-wide Piitawaani Powwow. The gathering welcomed approximately 800 Grade 4 and Grade 7 students and staff from across the division, creating an opportunity to learn, celebrate and strengthen relationships through shared experiences. Students and staff gathered for the Piitawaani Powwow, a celebration that brought Indigenous culture and traditions to the forefront of the division's learning community.
The gathering was made possible through the dedication of a committee of division staff and community members who invested countless hours in planning and preparation. Their work helped create a welcoming space where students could experience the powwow together, learn from community members and witness the beauty and significance of traditional dancing, drumming and song.
For many years, The Children of St. Martha Elementary School, also known as Naatookwootak'oyis — Holy Spirit Lodge, has been blessed to host powwows. Principal Janet Clamp reflected on the privilege of learning alongside students, staff, community members, colleagues, Knowledge Keepers and Elders through these experiences.
“I have witnessed firsthand how these experiences build understanding, respect, and belonging,” Mrs. Clamp shared.
Bringing approximately 800 Grade 4 and Grade 7 students and staff together from across Holy Spirit Catholic Schools was a significant undertaking. Yet schools embraced the invitation, demonstrating a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous learning and relationship-building.
Principal Janet Clamp emphasized that the gathering represented more than a single day of celebration. It demonstrated what can happen when an entire division comes together with a willingness to listen, learn and grow.
“I believe gatherings like this have the power to inspire meaningful change through shared experiences, deeper understanding, and stronger relationships,” she said.
A particularly meaningful part of the celebration was the division's student drum group, guided by Sheldon Day Chief and Candace Bradford.
The group represents the impact of learning together across cultures and generations. Through drumming and singing, students build relationships, develop confidence and take pride in sharing their gifts with others.
Their participation reflects the importance of ensuring Indigenous cultures and traditions are experienced in meaningful, respectful and ongoing ways within the school community.
Dr. Christina Fox, recognized as the first woman to bring a powwow into Blackfoot schools, spoke about the power of these gatherings to build a strong connection between the Blackfoot and non-Indigenous worlds.
“We’re walking in two worlds and I taught them to be proud to walk in two worlds,” Mrs. Fox shared.
She explained that powwows provide students with an opportunity to practise confidence and embrace the gifts they have been given. When powwow day arrives, dancers can share those gifts with pride, supported by Elders who pray alongside them and encourage them to be confident.
Elder Christina Fox also recalled that an eagle visited the very first powwow, a moment that made a lasting impression on the dancers and became part of the gathering's story.
Her reflections reinforced an important message for students: a powwow is a celebration. It is an opportunity to share culture, honour tradition, express gifts and strengthen the connections that bring people together.
As the day concluded, Mrs. Janet Clamp expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped bring the first division-wide Piitawaani Powwow to life.
She also offered a reminder that meaningful learning cannot be accomplished through one event alone. The relationships, understanding and respect nurtured through the powwow must continue to grow throughout the school year and beyond.
“Today was a gift. Yet—we know that one event is never enough—this learning must continue,” Mrs. Clamp said.
In a symbolic passing of responsibility, The Children of St. Martha community passed the honour of hosting next year's Piitawaani Powwow to Naatowapinna Iitaissksinima’tstohkio’p, inviting the next host community to continue the journey of learning, connection and celebration.
The October 8 gathering was a powerful reminder that reconciliation is built through relationships, shared experiences and a willingness to learn from one another. From the sacred gift of the Naming Ceremony to the collective joy of the powwow, the day offered students and staff an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Blackfoot culture and their connection to the land and community.
For Holy Spirit Catholic Schools, the Piitawaani Powwow was more than a celebration on the calendar. It was an expression of the division's commitment to belonging, respect, cultural understanding and meaningful relationships.
As students, staff and community members carry the memories of the day forward, the hope is that the teachings shared will continue to shape how they learn, lead and walk alongside one another—with gratitude, humility and open hearts.