In a traditional blanket ceremony presided over by Elder in Residence Murphy Johnnie (Sutqui’num) Mt. Prevost’s Girl Talk group received recognition as Q’e’wum’ Stulqeeye’- (Howling Wolves). At the February 24 event, students and witnesses listened to Sutqui’num’s message and were invited to participate in the ceremony.

Among the messages he shared, he emphasized that it is really important to know yourself.

“If you really know yourself, it is much more difficult to be in situations that are not good for you. You will be better able to recognize the situation for what it is,” said Sutqui’num.

The Elder also spoke about the importance of belonging and how the school’s Girl Talk group creates belonging.

“Belonging is a powerful thing,” he said.

The Girl Talk program is sponsored by Vice-principal Denise Aucoin and teachers Linda Quesnel and Rhonda Cizeron with the help of Vanessa Porter from Aboriginal Mental Health Services. Around a dozen grade 7, 8 and 9 First Nations girls meet weekly during or after school to have fun, build self esteem and talk about teenage issues plus more serious challenges affecting them in the First Nations community.