Led by their instructor Elder Francis Johnson Sr., Marie Sharpe Elementary School’s Hoop Dancers gave a moving performance of their skills Tuesday evening during the opening ceremonies to honour nominees and crown the School District 27’s 2017/18 First Nation Role Models.
The 22 dancers were divided into girl and boy performing teams for the event and ranged from grades 1 to 6 students, says principal Calvin Dubray.
The students have been practicing the dance for about four weeks and will train for a total of six weeks leading up the school’s year-end celebration on June 29, Dubray says.
“They have been asked to participate in the Aboriginal Day parade on June 21 and the Daybreak Rotary Stampede Parade on July 1,“ Dubray says.
“This is a great way for students, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal to have fun with dance and build confidence within themselves that they can achieve great things,” Dubray says.