Northern Experience

Evening Sky and Forest near The Pas, Manitoba

Since September, I’ve been travelling to different schools throughout the province of Manitoba in Canada with Artists in the Schools, collecting blog ideas along the way. NaBloPoMo offers a great opportunity to commit to sharing the creative and anti-bullying experiences of students with whom I worked, while simultaneously providing readers with glimpses of the people, culture, and beauty of this part of the world.

Through the Manitoba Arts Councils Artists in the Schools program, I teach in schools throughout the province. As I enter through the doors of a school, I am prepared to find a distinct teaching culture made up of the educational mandate, the school ambiance and experience, and uniquely interesting people—administrators, teachers, and students.

The first school I visited this fall was Joe A. Ross, in the Pas, where I taught for two weeks at the kind invitation of Principal Karon McGillivary. In a display case at the entrance of the school, a plaque celebrates the highly regarded Cree man for whom the school was named. The plaque reads as follows:

“Joseph Albert Ross was born on April 9, 1939 at the Pas. He was married to Cecelia Jebb on August 29, 1960. They had two sons, Glen and Mike, and one daughter, Lana. They also raised four foster children, Roger, Keith, Kenny, and Phyllis. Joe was a man for all seasons. He especially enjoyed the traditional life of hunting and trapping. During his later years, Joe spent much of his time in meeting rooms where he laid the foundation for Opasquiak Indian Days as well as played a key role in education on reserve. Joe was the Education Administrator for the Pas Indian Band (now known as Opaskwayak Cree Nation). This School bears his name because of his endless efforts—including enthusiasm and determination. He was especially concerned with the number of aboriginal youth dropping out of school. He knew and understood the difficulties that came with a limited education. He knew that by dropping out, youth were limiting their choices in life. Joe passed away in 1985. He had given his all for this school long before the first cornerstone was laid. In a way, Joe did help lay it’s foundation. The school was his dream. Joe was an exceptional man who had vast knowledge about many areas of life. Joe was a leader of many talents and abilities, a family man who earned the respect of many people, and an innovator who would have been pleased to see this beautiful school that promises so much learning…for so many people.”

Walking toward Joe A. Ross School on a Beautiful Fall Day

Shortly after I arrived, Rosina McGillivary, Cree music teacher, brought me on a tour of the school to show me how the architecture beautifully embodies concepts significant in Cree spirituality. The entrance to the building has pillars that represent the stages of humanity from infancy to old age. The building itself is shaped like an eagle with wings to soar. The front doors face East, the direction of the rising sun and beginnings in life. So began my two weeks at Joe A. Ross School, about which I will continue to write over the course of this week…

Like an Eagle with Wings to Soar