b'One Trip + Seven Incredible learners enjoying The seven LRSD Agate beach on Haida GwaiiJourneysFor the past three years, LRSD has been developing relationships with the school district leadership and Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers in Haida Gwaii (formerly known asthe Queen Charlotte Islands), an archipelago off British Columbias west coast.On May 4,seven students, one from each high school in LRSD, who are a part of the Oyoyocik Student Leadership Group and represent Ojibwe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, and Mtis Nations, travelled to Haida Gwaii. The students, along with Corey Kapilik, Coordinator of Indigenous Education and Julie Cot-Marinelli, vice-principal, J.H. Bruns Collegiate, spent a week on the archipelago.GENER SITY This was an amazing opportunity for us and the 4 students to gain an understanding of the Haida Gwaiiculture, teachings, history, and traditions, said Kapilik. This is also a chance for us to share our culture as Indigenous people in Winnipeg.Character is cultivatedThis was the first time students from LRSDThe Haida Gwaii 50 School District Superintendent, by concern for others have been invited to visit, and for this groupJoanne Yovanovich, and leadership from across theof young Indigenous leaders, it was a trip ofsix elementary and secondary schools, were very so that the child a lifetime as it wasnt just a traditional tourexcited to host the LRSD students and welcome them company booking, but a hands-on guide tointo their community.can say, I have a the rich heritage and history of Haida Gwaii.The group arrived on May 5, and over the coursepurpose for my life. * We were excited to exchange and reflect onof the first three days,Cot-Marinelli saw a changeculture, language, teachings and traditionsin the students.with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, said Cot-Marinelli. StudentsWhat I think is remarkable is the experience these had the opportunity to explore the beauty,students had. They are already serving as leaders in their culture, and history of Haida Gwaii throughschools, andnow, they have beeninspired to think about hiking, a visit to the Cultural Centre, andwho they are and what they want to do back home, said guided tours. Cot-Marinelli. This is very personal to them.*Principles of the Circle of Courage: From Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Our Hope for the Future by Larry Brendtro,44 45Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern'