In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we thought it would be a wonderful time to share with you a Smudging Ceremony that we were fortunate to take part in at the end of the summer. Below you will find the full story.
A Smudging Ceremony at Little Geniuses Day Care Centre
In early August, Little Geniuses Day Care Centre had a wonderful opportunity to connect with our neighbouring First Nations community. We had three women from The Tobique Reservation who were willing to share their time and knowledge with us. The children were able to participate in a smudging ceremony, use a variety of musical instruments, sing songs, dance, and appreciate many pieces of art. This ceremony was very beneficial to the children in a developmental standpoint and it aligned with the New Brunswick Curriculum Framework that is implemented in Designated Early Learning Centres. Some students were able to develop a sense of self and belonging as they helped teach their peers about their own culture. Whereas some students were developing a sense of others as they celebrated and experienced the unique qualities of their peers. Furthermore, the children were able to form relationships through communicative practices, they welcomed and connected with the three lovely ladies through many conversations and questions. Lastly, each and every child was able to appreciate their own distinctiveness and that of others. Overall, this experience helped Little Geniuses Day Care learn about the unceded territory that we live and learn on everyday.
Kyla Robinson
Little Geniuses Day Care Centre
August 2023
