Gaagagekiizhik Gakinoo’amaadiiwi’gamig Gakinoo’amaawasowin:
a sacred learning lodge where standard Ontario Curriculum and traditional Anishinaabe teachings go hand in hand.
Small cohort sizes that allow our dedicated educators to focus on your child’s individual learning style and pace.
True academic success requires holistic physical care. We ensure every child is nourished and energized from the moment they step onto campus through a structured menu program prepared daily by our on-site qualified cook.
Our menu planning places a massive focus on health, balance, and cultural connection:
To start the day on a good path, all students receive a healthy cold breakfast as soon as they arrive at school.
Students are provided with a nutritious mid-morning snack right before heading out for recess.
A hot, balanced lunch is prepared fresh in our kitchen daily.
Our menus proudly incorporate traditional Anishinaabe food staples.
We are a fully inclusive space. We safely accommodate all food allergies and specific dietary restrictions that your child may have.
Language learning is not a standalone subject block at Gaagagekiizhik; it is infused daily into our entire educational structure. Through initiatives like our Phrase of the Week, standard classroom lessons, and regular interactions with our Traditional Knowledge Keepers, we naturally introduce our youth to the Anishinaabemowin language.
We understand that the ease of learning a language and culture is beautifully different for each individual student. Many of our incoming young learners do not understand or speak the language at first. There is no pressure; students are gradually and gently introduced to the language at their own comfortable, natural pace within a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Our school year is rich with communal activities, creative expressions, and regular celebrations of student growth. Some of the core school activities provided to our elementary students include:
Active student participation in seasonal school Pow Wows and traditional spiritual ceremonies.
Structured monthly gatherings where students are recognized with Seven Grandfather Teaching Awards, Attendance Awards, Math Awards, and Literacy Awards.
Hands-on structural workshops including traditional regalia making.
Participation in the annual Anishinaabemodaa Bowl (Language Bowl).
Seasonal educational field trips and local community outings.
Our elementary curriculum extends deeply into the natural world, giving youth foundational trail and environmental experiences. Students regularly participate in dedicated land-based learning days outside the classroom at specialized community locations:
Immersive wilderness experiences where students engage in seasonal events like Wild Rice Harvesting Days and navigate the camp’s trail systems..
Specialized excursions featuring language and land-based activities
Gaagaigekiizhik Elementary School is located at 1450 Valley Drive in Kenora.
Many families ask us where to access summer daycare or summer camps in Kenora; while we at Gaagagekiizhik Elementary School do not currently host programs on campus during the summer months, we strongly encourage our school families to stay active, connected, and grounded in seasonal teachings through our community partners.
Many of our students and families participate annually in the MWG Summer Camp. This excellent community program offers immersive outdoor experiences, traditional youth activities, and cultural development opportunities throughout the summer break.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the upcoming summer camp sessions, please contact The Makate Waagamichiwanang Gakinaa’amaatiwin Youth and Family Wellness Camp directly to inquire.
