Fifteen years ago, Mother Teresa Middle School (MTMS) began its mission to transform student lives by supporting them from Grade 6 all the way to employment. Among the many meaningful partnerships formed along the way, the collaboration with the Buffalo People Arts Institute (BPAI) stands as a powerful example of what is possible when learning honours culture, relationship, and identity. Students have scraped hides, created moccasins, and made memories that they will carry with them into the future.
A Shared Journey
The connection with BPAI first began nearly a decade ago when MTMS Principal Terri Cote came across a news article featuring Lorne Kequahtooway and Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway, founders of BPAI. At the time, they were sharing the work they were doing to restore the presence of the buffalo, mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally through hide tanning. After reading the article, Cote immediately reached out to invite them to visit the school. “They were providing spaces to learn traditional knowledge that was deeply rooted in identity, relationships, and intercultural dialogue. We knew it would be a great fit,” said Cote.
After visiting the school, BigEagle-Kequahtooway sensed it would be the start of something special. “We were just learning ourselves and it felt like the right time and place. We thought, let us help each other. Would you want to come along with us on this journey?” she recalled. The partnership has became a shared journey of learning, supporting one another, and exploring traditional teachings connected to the spirit of the buffalo.
“It felt like the right time and place. We thought, let us help each other. Would you want to come along with us on this journey?” - Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway
Building Kinship
What has unfolded over the years has become far more than running workshops at the school. Through the hide, students have learned how to work with traditional tools and create with their hands. More importantly, they have learned to listen, to share stories, and build relationships. “The hide tanning process builds kinship, resilience, endurance, and determination,” shared BigEagle-Kequahtooway.
One project that grew from this work was moccasin making with the Grade 8 class. After spending time working with hides, creating moccasins felt like a natural next step. Each student makes a pair of moccasins for another classmate to gift at the Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony. “There are so many teachings involved. Generosity, connection, family, and caring for one another. This work is a way for them to build all those strengths through hands-on learning and storytelling,” said BigEagle-Kequahtooway.
Investing in the Future
From humble beginnings to a strong ongoing collaboration, the relationship with BPAI has become a defining part of the MTMS story. “Lorne, Joely and family are exceptional leaders, artists and role models. Their leadership has fostered meaningful connections with students, ensuring the transmission of traditional knowledge through ceremony, spirituality and artistic expression. They have made a profound impact on Mother Teresa Middle School and beyond,” said Cote.
As the school looks to the next 15 years, the teachings of the buffalo will continue to guide students, grounding them in culture, strengthening community, and nurturing confidence for the future. "Everyone at MTMS is invested in each child’s well-being. There is a genuine love that runs through the MTMS community. The work we are doing here is helping young people feel proud of who they are and showing them that traditional knowledge is here for them to learn, share, and carry into the future," shared BigEagle-Kequahtooway.
If you would like to support or find out ways to get involved in programs at Mother Teresa Middle School, we would love to connect!
Evie Sawatzky | Director of Development
P: 306-569-6867 Ext. 4