Artist Allen Wells designed the new buffalo statue at F.P. Walshe school.
F.P. Walshe school students have a ready reminder of an important symbol in the Blackfoot culture.
The unveiling Nov. 7 of a new buffalo sculpture on the north side of the school symbolizes the importance of the animal, and education.
“The buffalo was the main source of survival,” said Carolyn Little Mustache, a teacher at F.P. Walshe school. “The elders often tell stories of the importance of the buffalo.”
The buffalo provided the plains people with almost everything they needed to survive — food, clothing, tools and housing.
In modern times, it is education that provides what people need to survive and thrive.
“Education is the new buffalo,” Little Mustache said.
The unveiling of the buffalo statue designed by Indigenous artist Allen Wells marked the conclusion of a five-year collaboration between the school, community, businesses and elders.
Grade 6 students gathered on the lawn outside F.P. Walshe school on Friday morning for a ceremony.
Elder Betty Ann Little Wolf offered a Blackfoot blessing, and teacher Kaitelyn Heidinger gave a land acknowledgement.
Jay Wolf and Marcus Healy performed an honour song after the statue was unveiled.
F.P. Walshe principal Greg Freer praised the development of the buffalo statue as part of the school’s outdoor development project, which included basketball courts, a new playground and outdoor classroom.
Freer offered thanks to Robin Luther, Stephen Vandervalk and Falcan Industries for manufacturing and donating the buffalo based on the design of Allen Wells.
Freer also complimented Neisje Vanden Dool, Liisa Gillingham, Sarah Foote, Jill Burrows, Lori Pelletier, Kathleen Van Herk, Tara Asuchak, James Coast, Chad Jensen, Sherri Terpstra and Mitchell Durham for their contributions.
“It’s been an honour seeing the collaboration from so many different stakeholders,” Freer said.
Little Mustache said it is rare these days to see a buffalo, which were once plentiful on the plains, but now F.P. Walshe students only have to look out the window.
“It should remind you to be proud and to be strong and to be confident in all your learning, and also for the teachers . . . to give them the strength of the buffalo, to teach you everything that you need to know,” Little Mustache said.
Allen Wells told the Grade 6 students that he attended F.P. Walshe school, spending most of his time drawing and dreaming of being an artist.
That Wells was able to make his dream come true, he said, should inspire the students of today to pursue their own dreams by taking advantage of the education that is offered to them.
Wells also encouraged the students to learn about each other’s culture to foster peace and understanding.
