Mar 4th, 2013 – Storyteller Jim Adams Visit

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning, Native Studies

The grade 10 English and the grade 11 Aboriginal Voices classes hosted storyteller Jim Adams this week to celebrate the traditional winter storytelling practice of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.  Jim wowed us all with ancient and personal tales, a beautiful song with his drum, hands-on and experiential activities with rocks and an information-sharing question and answer period that shed light on many topics.  His warmth, generosity and humour were greatly admired and we all took away much more than we came with.  Each of us still has our own rock in our pocket, on our desk or in some special place.  Thanks so much, Jim, and please come back soon!

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Jan 21st, 2013 – Idle No More Global Day of Action

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning, Native Studies

The Aboriginal Issues, World Religions, Learning Strategies and grade 9 English classes traveled to Yonge and Dundas Square on January 11 to observe the Idle No More Global Day of Action. There were drumming circles, round dances and people of all ages and backgrounds standing up for the rights of Indigenous people. Luckily the rain held off for everyone involved!

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Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!

Oct 15th, 2012 – Feast of Thanks Photos & Blog

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Community, Native Studies

Have you ever wondered where the traditions around Thanksgiving came from?  Have you ever considered the links between the American Columbus day and Canada’s Thanksgiving holiday, both occurring every year on the second Monday in October?  Students in the YMCA Academy’s World Religions and Native Studies classes decided to honour and celebrate Canada’s Indigenous people for Thanksgiving this year.  We hosted a huge feast in our cafeteria and made educational displays about topics like the origins of Thanksgiving, Aboriginal traditions and local foods as well as the truth behind Christopher Columbus’ intentions in “the new world.”  We were honoured to have guests from the YMCA of Greater Toronto, the Native Canadian Center of Toronto and volunteers in attendance and we thank everyone for contributing pumpkin pies, traditional fish cakes, roasted squash and homemade cookies!

Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!

Oct 5th, 2012 – Academy Feast of Thanks

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, Community, Native Studies

Dear parents, guardians, and students,

Next Tuesday, October 9, the students in our World Religion and Native Studies classes are hosting a special YMCA Academy lunch to celebrate Canada’s Indigenous people at this time of Thanksgiving.  These students are creating educational displays and are bringing in food and snacks to share with our school community and employees of several YMCA departments including Diversity and Social Inclusion.

We would like to offer you the opportunity to contribute to our celebration by sending your son or daughter to school on Tuesday, October 9 with a food or snack item to share.  Any donation is on a completely voluntary basis.

Thank you for your support and have a great long weekend!

Sincerely,

Sep 24th, 2012 – Native Canadian Centre Visit

YMCA Academy English and Humanities, Experiential Learning, Native Studies

The World Religion and Current Aboriginal Issues in Canada classes opened the new school year by attending an event at the Native Canadian Center of Toronto.  We listened to resident teacher and member of the Ojibway tribe Don Jabokwoam share his extensive knowledge of history as well as his personal life experiences.  We are very grateful to Don and the Native Canadian Center for supporting our learning of Aboriginal history, spirituality and culture and we look forward to collaborating again in the future!