Good Evening CMHS Parents, Caregivers, Students, and Guardians,
** Graduation ceremony photos are available to pick up in the main office until Friday, June 26.
Tipi Drawing
Yesterday, Central Memorial High School had the incredible honour of hosting a truly historic event for the Calgary Board of Education and the Indigenous Education Team, the design and drawing of the CBE's first tipi. We are deeply grateful that our school was selected to be part of this significant moment in CBE history.
The tipi drawing and design process is much more than artistic expression. It is a sacred and meaningful practice that integrates traditional Indigenous symbols, geometric patterns, teachings, and protocols.
Specific pole configurations and graphic designs, such as stripes, circles, and animal figures, are gifted through ceremony and guided by local Treaty 7 Knowledge Keepers. This important work took place in our gymnasium under the guidance of Elder Dr. Reg Crowshoe and Elder Rose Crowshoe. It just so happens that their grandchild graduated from CMHS as well.
The CBE is incredibly fortunate to work closely with Elder Dr. Reg Crowshoe, whose teachings have influenced countless educators and leaders. Dr. Crowshoe has taught many about the concept of Ethical Space, a gathering place where different knowledge systems come together in mutual respect and understanding. He reminds us that it is within this ethical space that we must gather to support students and ensure that Indigenous ways of knowing benefit all learners.
Esteemed Elders and ceremonialists of the Piikani Nation in Southern Alberta, Dr. Reg and Dr. Rose Crowshoe have advanced reconciliation efforts across Canada and internationally. For decades, they have guided governments, educational institutions, corporations, and community organizations in developing cross-cultural understanding and best practices related to Indigenous history, traditions, and perspectives. In June 2022, both Reg and Rose were appointed Members of the Order of Canada in recognition of their unwavering dedication to preserving and sharing Blackfoot culture.
Throughout the day, students, staff, parents, and guests experienced powerful learning opportunities as the teachings behind the tipi design were shared. Symbolic elements commonly found in Plains Indigenous tipi designs often originate from dreams or visions and carry deep meaning. Base designs may depict mountains, rolling hills, or rivers that represent where a vision or story took place. Stripes and circles can symbolize the four seasons, stars, celestial bodies, or the Big Dipper. The ear flaps and poles of the tipi carry teachings connected to the Creator, love, kinship, and our responsibilities to one another.
The learning, reflection, and cultural understanding gained through this experience were both meaningful and hearfelt. We are grateful to Elder Reg Crowshoe, Elder Rose Crowshoe, and the CBE Indigenous Education Team for sharing their knowledge, wisdom, and guidance with our school community.
We look forward to seeing the completed tipi and will always take pride in knowing that Central Memorial High School played a role in this historic moment. Thank you to the CBE Indigenous Education Team for allowing us to be part of such an important and memorable day.
Anne Kromm, Principal
Important Dates to Remember
See our School Calendar for all of our school events
Saturday June 20 - Calgary Stampeders GRAD Walk McMahon Stadium 5:00 PM
Saturday June 20 & Sunday June 21 - CMHS School Casino
Sunday June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
Monday June 22 - Physics 30 DIPLOMA 9:00 AM
Tuesday June 23 - Science 30 DIPLOMA 9:00 AM
Tuesday June 23 - ALL TEXT BOOKS due to the learning commons
Thursday June 25 - Report Cards available for viewing until July 25 on MyCBE
Friday June 26 - Last day for TASC/CSSI
Friday June 26 - Marks Appeals Day
Monday June 29 & Tuesday June 30 - NID Days
Monday July 6 - Wednesday July 22 - Bridge Summer Camp 2026 Session 1
Monday July 27 - Thursday August 13 - Bridge Summer Camp 2026 Session 2
Tuesday August 18 & Wednesday August 19 - WIN/NOW Summer Camp 2026