Our "BIENVENUE" sign is back up on the fence near the school after a six-month hiatus. Last May and June, each class at the school attended a presentation led by members of the Grade 5/6 Art Club, which explored Indigenous topics and introduced different Indigenous artists.

Here’s a brief summary of how the artwork on the nine letters of the sign came to be:

• The first letter, "B," addresses the legacy of residential schools and the "Every Child Matters" movement.
• The next seven letters each represent one of the Seven Sacred Teachings—Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom. Each class worked on a side of the letters, focusing not only on the teaching it symbolized but also the animal associated with that teaching. Additionally, each class drew inspiration from a specific Indigenous art style or artist to shape their work.
• The final letter, "E," symbolizes Reconciliation, Activism, and Calls to Action.

Now, when you look at the BIENVENUE sign, you can fully appreciate the meaningful stories and cultural significance behind its creation.