Volunteers Needed! The Moccasin Project

Hello parents/guardians,

On Monday, January 23rd, we will be having the FNMI (First Nation Métis Inuit) Director of the Board, Mrs. Clyne, coming in to help us make baby moccasins for FNMI children. Why, might you ask?

Firstly, we are about to wrap up our strand on the early Europeans and the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and we are exploring the topic of Residential Schools.

Secondly, I attended a Professional Development session where I was made aware of the moccasin project, or So They Can Go Home. You can read about the project on their website at http://www.sotheycangohome.com/about.html. In short, 40 Indigenous babies are taken from their mothers in hospitals each year in Manitoba, and a Brampton high school teacher wanted to create awareness for the reality of child apprehension rates in Canada. Her students began making moccasins for these babies, and soon other schools and students got involved.

In an age-appropriate way, these important issues need to be talked about in classrooms. I'm hoping Mrs. Clyne can start the discussion for us, and we can help out in a real and meaningful way.

If you would be available from 11:10-12:50, or even a bit of time at the beginning, we could really use your help in our classroom! Apparently the moccasins can be a bit tricky and Mrs. Clyne has asked that a few parents/guardians come in to help out. Please let me know via email, phone call, or your child's agenda :) Thanks in advance!