Veteran presenter Goota Desmarais has been visiting some of our schools this week to teach students about Inuit culture. Originally from Kinngait (Cape Dorset), and Arctic Bay, Nunavut, Goota has been a resident of Sherwood Park for the past 30 years. She has presented to our students in previous years, but this was our first in-person visit, and it was an amazing experience!

Daughter of sculptor Kumwartok Ashoona, Goota established 'Inuit Connection,' a company dedicated to spreading awareness and understanding of Inuit culture. Additionally, she actively participates in the 'Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation Project' in partnership with the Alberta Teachers' Association.

Goota shared a diverse wealth of knowledge and experiences with our students, enabling them to directly engage with traditional skins, toys, and clothing while sampling authentic, traditional foods. Additionally, students actively participated in songs and games, even recognizing some familiar tunes sung in the Inuktitut language!

Mrs. Cardinal's second-grade class at High Prairie Elementary was thoroughly engaged by this presentation, describing it as "very cool," and remarking that the caribou meat tasted "even better than steak."

Thank you to Goota, and to our Indigenous Education team for bringing this captivating experience to our schools.