St. Patrick’s High School came alive with colour, music, and spirit as it hosted an all-day Indigenous Student Cultural Gathering and Pow Wow that united the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) community in celebration. Students, Elders, educators, and community partners from across the city came together to honour culture, tradition, and connection. From the first drumbeat to the closing song, the day stood as a living tribute to Indigenous voices, identity, and youth leadership.
Grounded in Student Leadership
The gathering was the culmination of years of thoughtful planning and collaboration. When the OCSB Indigenous Education Team invited St. Patrick’s to host the first board-wide Indigenous cultural celebration, the school community embraced the opportunity with pride and enthusiasm.
Each OCSB high school’s Indigenous Student Association (ISA) selected student representatives to help plan the event. These student leaders played an active role from the start, meeting regularly with the Indigenous Education Team to offer input, share ideas, and take on key responsibilities. Their leadership ensured that the gathering remained inclusive, respectful, and rooted in Indigenous perspectives.
At St. Patrick’s, staff worked closely with the Indigenous Education Team to coordinate logistics and support the vision. The dedication and cultural knowledge of the organizing team were evident in every detail. The school grounds were transformed into a welcoming space of celebration and reflection, with preparations beginning the evening before the event.
Rooted in Tradition
The celebration was brought to life through a partnership with Indigenous Experiences, whose singers, dancers, drummers, and traditional performers filled the day with authenticity and spirit. A Sacred Fire, permitted through special arrangements, remained lit throughout the event as a powerful symbol of tradition, community, and spiritual connection.
By mid-morning, buses arrived carrying students from high schools across Ottawa. Many participants wore regalia, proudly showcasing their traditional clothing, colours, and identities. Community vendors and cultural organizations set up booths, while guests from across the city gathered to take part in the celebration.
Among those in attendance were Director of Education Dr. Tom D’Amico, Associate Director of Education Mary Donaghy, and Superintendents Dr. Prince Ehoro and Tim Slack. Their participation reflected the Board’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous education and community partnerships.
Throughout the day, the air was filled with drumming, singing, and laughter. Students were invited to dance, listen, and learn from traditional teachers and Elders. Every performance offered a moment to reflect on culture, resilience, and the power of community. For many students, it was their first time experiencing these traditions in person – a deeply moving experience that fostered greater understanding and respect.
A Celebration of Learning and Connection
The Indigenous Student Cultural Gathering and Pow Wow represented far more than a single event. It was a living expression of the OCSB’s commitment to building relationships grounded in truth, understanding, and reconciliation.
Feedback from students, staff, and community members was overwhelmingly positive. Many described the day as emotional, inspiring, and meaningful. It served as both a celebration and a reminder that learning about Indigenous cultures and histories extends beyond a single month or classroom. It is an ongoing journey that shapes how we walk together as a community.
A Step Forward in Reconciliation
This historic gathering stood as a testament to the strength and vibrancy of Indigenous culture within OCSB schools. It highlighted the power of student leadership, the importance of collaboration, and the shared responsibility of honouring truth through education.
As the drums quieted and the Sacred Fire was respectfully extinguished, one message remained clear: reconciliation begins with listening, learning, and walking forward together.
