“I’ve been dancing for two years and what made me start dancing is that I was really interested, and for my family. My family are all shawl dancers. Shawl dancers represent the butterfly so we have to be graceful and light.”

“The stars are for my mom. She calls me her little shining star, so that’s why I have a bunch. Then, there’s my butterfly because it represents the dance. I have yellow in it for my Cree name. My Cree name is ‘yellow mountain rogue woman,’ and blue because I love blue.”

Shaneek is a member of the Cree, one of the largest groups of First Nations in North America. In Canada alone, there are more than 200,000 members. An increasing challenge in North America is for Native youth to retain their culture. Through dance, Shaneek is able to continue her tribe’s legacy and express herself.

She has attended Mamawi Atosketan Native School in Alberta, Canada, since she was in the second grade. This Adventist school is located in a rural environment to allow students to focus on their school experience. This is a unique school because it specifically responds to the needs of the Native population from kindergarten through high school.

By celebrating and integrating the Native culture, the school can educate in a powerful way. Students regularly attend classes in Native history and language, in addition to standard classes. They get a hands-on education that prepares them for the future.

“They are really supportive. So, if you were behind in your grades, they would help you personally and help you ‘up’ your grades. They want you to pass, not fail. They want you to succeed.”

All students are given breakfast and lunch for free if they ask for it. The staff wants to ensure every student has the best opportunity to learn. The staff’s caring attitudes build the students’ trust and confidence in them. For some of these children, this may be the only place they feel safe and secure. At this school, students have the opportunity to talk with trained counselors about any topic.

“I wanted to start dancing since I have a lot of energy, there’s that reason. And to get rid of some of my sorrows.”

When Shaneek was in the third grade, her father passed away. Her father’s death was difficult to deal with and she felt alone. It was around this time that she first learned about Jesus. She began reading the Bible and found comfort in its stories.

“When I was little, I felt really by myself, so when I came here and learned about it, I thought, ‘Oh, there’s actually someone here to look after me and I’m not alone’.”

This transformed Shaneek’s life in a positive way. Teachers and staff at this school emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. Now, she spends time in God’s Word each day and continues to grow closer to Him.

As enrollment grows each year, there is no more room for growth in this building. Mamawi Atosketan Native School has begun construction on a dedicated high school building to facilitate current and future growth.

The staff and students ask for your support through the 13th Sabbath Offering this quarter. A portion of this offering will go to the school to satisfy its growing needs. Please join us in prayer as they meet a great need in this region. Thank you for giving to the 13th Sabbath Offering!