“You can tell a lot about a community by the care they put into their spaces. At Chief Kahkewistahaw Community School, that care was everywhere you looked.”
Some visits remind you why this work matters. Walking into Chief Kahkewistahaw Community School was one of those moments.
From the moment we walked through the doors, it was clear that the people who built and maintained this space took real pride in it. The decor was thoughtful and detailed. Every corner of the building told a story about the community it serves. The teachers and staff had created something worth celebrating, and it set the tone for everything that followed.
The Magic of the First Reveal
The day started early. Hugo from RBRTH set up the printing station and we moved through the younger grades with a quick presentation and t-shirt demos before the workshop got fully underway.
What never gets old, no matter how many schools we visit, is that moment when the first shirt comes off the screen. The room always reacts the same way. Eyes go wide. The excitement is immediate and genuine. Hugo has a gift for pulling that reaction out of a crowd. There is no other way to describe it. He is a modern magician.
The Older Kids
The afternoon belonged to the high school grades. Older youth have a reputation for playing it cool, and these students were no different. Arms crossed. Trying not to look too interested.
Then the free merch came out.
It is hard to say no to a free shirt, even when you are trying to act unbothered. By the time Drezus stepped up for his presentation and performance, the room had warmed up considerably. That is always how it goes. The music does the rest.
Thank You
A visit like this does not happen without the right people making it possible. Thank you to Yorkton Tribal Council for connecting us with the school and continuing to be a trusted partner in this work. Thank you to principal Michelle Kennedy for opening the doors and making us feel welcome. And thank you to the entire community of Kahkewistahaw for sharing your school and your students with us.
We left with full hearts and a lot of great memories from a beautifully built school that reflects exactly who you are.
