I am late getting out a debriefing for everyone on this year’s school program on May 23rd. Ohmygoodness, that is only a week ago, but it seems like long ago. It sure has been busy with the Upper Fort Garry Gate project press conference over the last few days. [The “attack” on the St. Boniface Museum site, if you will reflect, was another of those in camera “it’s a done deal” activities highly similar to what is happening at the Upper Fort Garry site.]
This year’s school program got condensed into the morning when we had the cancellation of a large group of students in the afternoon. The morning was quite full with about 80 students – and despite on and off rain, it went well. We had to move several stations inside, with only Erle in his teepee, Birch in front of his tent, and Angela and Claire under the fly – doing their stations outside. Even candle dipping and The Canoe got brought inside. We had 24 of our people out to deliver the stations or assist in other ways.
New this year was the “Laundry Day” station, and by all accounts, it was great fun, with the kids looking at the ladies’ split drawers and saying “eeewwww” quite a bit. Carol James had made up 5 pairs of split drawers, and they were not sooner made than I had to ask her to rub them on wet grass, run over them with the car and in general, make them very dirty.
The other stations were: the story of Louis Riel; Aboriginal contributions; Weaving Dance; Wool Carding; Candle making; Fur Trade Goods; Native Bracelet; The Canoe; and Military Drill.
For next year, we have to increase our profile – awareness – for Grade 4 teachers. Olivia suggested a brochure with photos of some of the activities, that could be sent/delivered to the schools. It is our intention to have a presence at SAG in November this year.
There have been numerous concerns over the much diminished size of the St. Boniface Museum site, and the lack of parking. Any other suggestions would be welcome. Cindy and I will have a debriefing meeting and will want to have ideas for next year.
Thank you for your help – thank you for giving your time so willingly.