Kwey, Aanii, Boozhoo.
Across the Ottawa Catholic School Board, those words are more than a greeting. They are an invitation. An open door. A chance to come together, learn from one another, and build something meaningful as a community.
On May 22, 2026, that invitation came to life at Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School, where Indigenous students and Indigenous Student Associations from across the OCSB hosted their second annual Cultural Celebration and Powwow.
This was not just an event. It was students leading. Students teaching. Students creating space for connection.
Throughout the day, the school’s football field transformed into a vibrant gathering place filled with music, movement, food, and shared experiences. The heartbeat of the event could be felt through drumming and dancing, with performances that included jingle dress, hoop, grass, fancy shawl, and traditional dancers, alongside Métis jigging and throat singing. Each performance carried stories, history, and meaning that resonated with the audience.
Local Indigenous vendors and food providers offered affordable, authentic items and meals, giving visitors the opportunity to experience culture in a very real and tangible way. Community partners were also present, creating space for conversation, learning, and relationship-building.
There were also moments to pause. To sit. To listen.
Elders shared their wisdom and knowledge with those who gathered, offering reflections that grounded the day in respect, understanding, and connection. For many, these were the moments that stayed with them the longest.
This gathering reflected what it means to live our Spiritual Theme, Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings. It opened the door to understanding. It built bridges between cultures, schools, and communities. And it created new beginnings rooted in respect, learning, and connection.
It also spoke directly to who we are as a system. We are called to Be Community by coming together in meaningful ways. We are called to Be Well by creating spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and proud of who they are. And we are called to Be Innovative by supporting authentic, student-led experiences that bring learning to life beyond the classroom.
The day was also a powerful example of Deep Learning in action. Students were not just participants. They were organizers, collaborators, and leaders. They demonstrated strong citizenship and character while strengthening their identity and voice.
Most importantly, they created a space where everyone felt welcome.
Kwey, Aanii, Boozhoo. The door was open. And the community showed up.
