A lesson on taking care of the hungry was rewarded with a full belly Friday.
L.V. Rogers students in the Aboriginal Education program prepared and served a hot meat lunch to Trafalgar students at Lakeside Park as part of an event acknowledging Métis Week.
Don Courson, president of the Nelson and Area Métis Society, said the message behind the meal of cornish hen, rabbit and salmon was to recognize the importance of hunting and gathering to the Métis.
“We try to acknowledge that wild meat is healthy for you, it’s part of our culture, part of embracing and engaging history with aboriginal peoples and Métis peoples, specifically,” he said.
Courson spoke to students at Nelson City Hall prior to the raising of the Métis flag, then everyone walked to the Rotary Shelter at the park for the feast.
He emphasized to the students the importance of only taking what they needed, and leaving food for the person behind them in line. That was no small ask of a large group of hungry kids, who waited in cold, rainy conditions for their turn.
“I try to always share the message that there are people less fortunate than you, so take what you need and then make sure there’s some left for the person behind you,” said Courson.
“If you’re the last person in line, that might be the way it is, but you should not always be first in line.”
tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com
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