This year, St. Francis of Assisi School embarked on a transformative journey with local Indigenous communities to revitalize the school’s foyer rotunda. This project brings Indigenous heritage to life and exemplifies the power of Deep Learning Partnerships, where cultural understanding and mutual respect grow.
Pillars That Invite Reflection
Principal Lina Bélanger describes the six rotunda pillars as a foundation that symbolizes the strength and unity of our country. The first two pillars pay tribute to the Algonquin people as keepers of the land. One features the grandfather teachings, beautifully crafted by the Brascoupe sisters, and the other—a striking orange pillar envisioned by students — honours the legacy of residential schools. With the guidance of parent volunteer Crystal Martin, students learned traditional beading techniques and crafted every letter of “Every Child Matters” and “Chaque Enfant Compte” for this tribute.
The third pillar, a partnership with MASC (an Ottawa-based community arts organization), features Aurora Finkle’s storytelling through art, focusing on Indigenous medicines. Another pillar highlights the significance of water within Indigenous culture. The final two pillars will represent Inuit traditions and are slated for completion next year.
Above the pillars, a structure designed by students showcased their vision of Canada. The exterior celebrates nature, urging us to care for God’s creation, while the interior reflects the diversity and unity of our people.
A Deep Learning Journey
Teachers at St. Francis of Assisi welcomed Elders, Indigenous experts, and artists into their classrooms to guide students in exploring Indigenous culture, art, history, and ways of knowing. Educator Christelle Hatano led meaningful discussions with her students on land acknowledgments during the Ten Days of Truth and Reconciliation, inspiring them to express themes of nature in their art for the pillars.
Through this project, students experienced a Deep Learning journey that reached far beyond textbooks. They embodied citizenship by embracing diverse perspectives, demonstrated creativity in their artistic expressions, collaborated with each other and Indigenous guests, and practiced communication by presenting their work at the school’s Sharing Evening.
A Legacy of Learning for Future Generations
The pillar project now stands as a lasting tribute to Indigenous voices, creating a space where future students can connect with the richness of Indigenous history, culture, and art. Through the wisdom of Indigenous artists and Elders, this project became more than a renovation; it’s a vibrant celebration of Canada’s diverse heritage—a space for curiosity, respect, and continuous learning.