Today's Earth Day, and Women of Mother Earth celebrated with students at Long Plain First Nation School. Founder Angela Roulette says she taught the children how to make story sticks, and notes the Portage District Arts Centre funded the program.

(L-R) Bonny Roulette & Angela Roulette"This is the second time we've done this with a different school. And I hope to continue doing this. I mean, these are our future generation here. So, we have to make sure we as parents and grandparents, we point a right direction for them. That's why I'm going to continue doing this. And of course I have one of my ladies from our Woman's group here. That is who we are, the Women of Mother Earth."

Roulette says she's even environment conscious in acquiring the sticks for the lesson.

"I don't go and chop down a tree to get this. I went to the tree disposal yard the other day and got them."

She explains it's about seeing children open up and express themselves.  The students put decorations on the sticks comprised of ribbons, toy gems, feathers and figures of animals, with each piece representing something in their lives. They then gather in a circle and explain what each element means to the others.

"I notice they always like to express themselves. They're a little hesitant at times, but you should see them after. They go, 'Oh, I got this!' But that's okay. That's a start. Who knows, maybe I'll come back here again."

Joanna Tanner is class teacher and notes how everyone learned something today.

"We had some talking sticks. And they encourage the kids to share about their lives. And I learned some things today about them that I didn't know. They learned things about me that they didn't know. Connecting is an important integral part of our culture. When we meet someone new we say, 'Where are you from?' It's always like we're always looking for a connection. That's a good way to connect."

Tanner notes everyone is related to the earth and everything else.

The Portage District Arts Centre funded the program.

Long Plain School, Long Plain First Nation