CYF Grant Recipient in Profile: St. Cyril Elder Project

Because of St. Cyril Elementary and Junior High School’s close proximity to the Tsuu T’ina First Nations community, it’s important for the students to be able to connect with Aboriginal culture.
 
That’s why teacher Lorianne Tenove came up with the Elders Project, an initiative that hosts Tsuu T’ina Elders twice per month to teach students about cultural awareness. To fund the idea, she turned to Youth Central’s Calgary Youth Foundation, which granted them $1,000 in November 2013.
 
“We are always trying to find ways to have meaningful and positive relationships with the Tsuu T’ina community,” says Tenove.
 
“Tsuu T’ina elders are an important part of their community, and their presence in our school helps to deal with attendance issues, family issues, and the importance of education and cultural teachings.”
 
The Calgary Youth Foundation grant has also helped the school set up a First Nations Room, where the elders do activities with the students like beading and storytelling.