Skip to content

The gift of a teepee for Arcola School

Representatives of the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation visited Arcola School with the gift of a teepee.
Arcola School Teepee
Pictured from left, Sergeant Tasha Reid, Elder Joan McArthur, Councillor Juanita McArthur-BigEagle, Constable and First Nations liaison officer Dave Madill and principal Ron Wardhope. 

ARCOLA - This past week the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation visited the Arcola School in a big way, in the spirit of treaty relationship building.  

They celebrated their visit with the donation of a teepee. Councillor Juanita McArthur-BigEagle builds the continued education relationship with the gesture of gifting this handmade teepee for the spirit and intent of the treaties. 

Chief Ira McArthur provided the Observer with some background.  

“Pheasant Rump students have been attending this school since 1990. This year, we have 38 students registered from Grades 5 to 12. We are gifting this teepee to the Arcola Community ,School as a gesture of thanks on behalf of past, present, and future students of our First Nation. It signifies the investment we have in our youth and unites our communities.”  

There were a number of dignitaries in attendance at this impromptu ceremony including Pheasant Rump councillors, parents, elders, and, of course, teachers and students. McArthur has been chief of Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation the past seven years.  

“Our First Nation is extremely proud of how our people have interacted with Arcola and the South East Cornerstone School Division over the past 30 years. Continued collaboration and integration is expected.” 

Chief McArthur also wishes to remind everyone that Sept. 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada. Celebrations are planned that day at Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation. Everyone is welcome.