November 10th, 2026

Preston Public School welcomed students and staff from Arnaqjuaq School in Nunavut for a day of learning, culture, and connection. Preston was one of eight WRDSB elementary schools visited by the group, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and learning across the region.

The visit gave students an opportunity to learn about Inuit culture through traditional square dancing, storytelling, music, and games. Arnaqjuaq students performed a traditional Inuit square dance, while an Elder shared stories and knowledge about Inuit history, language, and daily life. The Elder spoke in Inuktitut and a translator supported students’ understanding and learning.

After the dance, one of the visiting students performed a song on the accordion, an instrument that remains an important part of Inuit culture today.

Students also learned about two traditional Inuit games. Ajagaq, a cup-and-ball game made using caribou neck bones and Arsaaraak, a game similar to tug-of-war.

For Principal Devrim Sherifali, experiences like this offer valuable learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

“Learning opportunities like this are excellent cultural experiences for our students,” said Sherifali. “We don’t often have the opportunity to connect with students from a territory like Nunavut. It offers students a profound educational experience and serves as a living classroom that teaches history, culture, and social justice.”

Sherifali added that the visit helps students understand the diversity of Indigenous Peoples across Canada and challenges the idea that all Indigenous cultures are the same.

For visiting student Anisha, sharing her culture was an important part of the day. “I hope students learn the dance and our language,” she said. When asked what makes sharing culture special, Anisha replied, “They have respect for our culture.”

Preston student Lila enjoyed watching the performance. “I really liked how they danced because it probably took a lot of practice,” she said. “It was really cool to see.”

As schools continue their work toward Truth and Reconciliation, experiences like this help students build understanding, show respect for different cultures and create meaningful connections with Indigenous communities across Canada.