As part of Reconciliation efforts with First Nations peoples, North Memorial School in Portage la Prairie held a feast Friday. Principal Valerie Smith says they celebrated so that all people can enjoy the beauty and culture of the Indigenous peoples. 

"We are having powwow dancers, we have a drum group come to celebrate, and we have an unveiling of a bear quilt," says Smith. "We had a Long Plain artist, Velma Merrick, come and make ribbon skirts with some of our parents. So, we're very excited to unveil the skirts today, along with the Grade 6 beautiful Bear Claw quilt."

She says it's important, knowing that children are gamechangers who can help them teach knowledge.

"They are genuine with their respect for this culture. And as a leader in the school, it's my job to make sure I foster more education and more healing. This day is really important to us here at North Memorial School." 

Marley's a student at North Memorial and was one of the Jingle Dress Dancers.

"I just love to dance. These are my colours. I got this for Christmas. I had another dress but it was old, so I had to get rid of it."

She notes the jingles are for healing purposes and the sound heals people. 

Avery was dancing powwow and is 10 years old. 

"My dress is purple and has a bunch of triangles on it. There's some Tees on it -- I don't know why. I have a bunch of beaded stuff like necklaces and hair stuff."

She notes she dances because it fun and gives her the chance to travel.

"I went to Rolling River and Peguis --  that's where I traveled so far. And I'm going to be traveling more in the summer."

Avery says she started when she was six or seven years old. She adds friends and dancing are what's important for her at the feast.

"Kids get to see how to dance and if they want to dance, they could look at us and see us dancing."