What better way to celebrate National Aboriginal Day, than recognizing one of our nation's heros. On Tuesday, June 21, Grade 4-8 students and staff from St. Peter the Apostle CS in Parry Sound, joined their community to celebrate the unveiling of of a life-size monument of war veteran, Francis Pegahmagabow. Francis is the highest decorated First Nations soldier in World War One and a local and national hero.
Prior the event, students were lucky enough to have Francis’ granddaughter visit the school to speak about him and join them in a native art project that corresponds with the event.
On the morning of the event, the staff and students walked down to the Stockey Centre to take part in the unveiling of the beautiful monument. Amongst hundreds of community members, many dignitaries, including the Minister of Education were in attendance. As part of the ceremony, there was also a full military honour guard and a traditional native ceremony.
The students from St. Peter the Apostle CS had an incredible time at the event and learned a lot about First Nations, Métis and Inuit history and culture. Special thank you to the staff, particularly Mr. Ashford, for organizing the event for the students.