The new Cree bilingual school in Saskatoon has unveiled its name: awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St Francis School. A committee for the new school received more than 100 names and narrowed it down to six names for careful consideration. “awâsisak refers to the children and the youth, and kâ-nîmîhtocik refers to the northern lights,” explained Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Superintendent of Education Kelley Cardinal. “All together, awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik refers to the children who dance or the children that dance.” Battlefords Now reports that the name was selected to reflect the nurturing of children’s spirits, their connections to their ancestors, and their future journey. The school—which is currently under construction and is slated to open in Fall 2025—will also feature artwork by local Indigenous artists on its exterior.
