20th Anniversary Open House a Crowd Pleaser

BY LYNN McDOWELL

The pride was palpable at the 20th anniversary open house of Mamawi Atosketan Native School in Maskwacis, Alberta as parents watched their children doing traditional steps in colourful regalia. Cheers erupted from the bleachers as Jersey Francis, Grade 9, spiked a point in the most memorable play of the game, confirming that he had indeed earned his spot as part of Team Canada’s volleyball stable in his age group. No parent, however, was more proud than Chief Vernon Saddleback, Samson Cree Nation, as he watch his son Joshua, an alumnus of MANS, and Joshua’s eight-year-old daughter, Kiya dance with confidence and finesse—a tribute to Joshua’s work as an instructor for the movement section of MANS’ Cultural Studies classes.

“Game On!” was the theme of the Friday, May 12 event, complete with half-time entertainment by students. Parents came out in force, filing the available seating in the high school gym. The showcase of student skills and achievement was a departure from the usual format of MANS’ weekend open houses, but the weekday timing gave the community and parents a chance to see their children in action during a school day—an opportunity many expressed appreciation for.

Clockwise: Mens’ Fancy Dancer Joshua Saddleback volunteers his time to teach traditional dance in Cultural Studies class; the Grade 9 Bucket Drum Corps played with gustro to contemporary Indigenous music; the Howlers’ mascot made friends out of fans; the Grade 3 ukulele choir charmed friends and family alike; an elementary student struts his regalia with pride, passion and personality.