By Shannon K. Jones
Staff Reporter
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BRIMLEY — Adel Easterday's Native studies class at Brimley High School hosted a giveaway ceremony to honor elementary students for completing their homework. More than 100 students from kindergarten to 6th grade turned in their completed homework for 15 consecutive days, allowing them to earn a gift in the giveaway.
The giveaway ceremony is an ancient Indian custom practiced at religious and social gatherings. The ceremony is still practiced today across the country.
Easterday's class made a number of the gifts ranging from dreamcatchers to beaded necklaces, and also brought in some of their personal belongings, such as stuffed animals.
The students had to follow guidelines on the items they were to giveaway. First, if you make it yourself, then it is the very best work you have ever done. And second, it has to hurt you a little to give it away.
“It was very well done,” said Brimley's Middle School/High School Principal Brian Reattoir. “We appreciate the work of Mrs. Easterday and her class.”
Easterday, a member of Sault Tribe, is in her first year of teaching the Native studies course at Brimley Schools.
As Valentine's Day approaches, the class will begin on their next project, the Native traditions of courting.
