A sea of blue shirts filled the gym at Biidaaban, as students from every grade, staff, family, caregivers, community members, representatives from departments of Sagamok Anishnawbek including Community Wellness Department, Family & Community Support Services, Cultural Workers, and Anishnawbek Police Services (APS) members, gathered to kick off the first WITS Assembly, on January 28, 2026.
WITS (Walk-Away, Ignore, Talk it out, Seek Help) is an evidence-based program Biidaaban is implementing to help decrease conflict, bullying, and discrimination and increase positivity, kindness, and inclusivity in the school environment for students, staff, and families. WITS provides tools to teach students and staff how to focus on options for conflict, targeting, and bullying resolution, ultimately providing a better, safer, more constructive place to learn, and empower students and staff to grow as individuals.
The blue t-shirts, emblazoned with a feather design, were made available through the generosity of the Family & Community Support Services (FCSS), and included a quote on the front stating, “In a world where you can be anything, be KIND.” FCSS representatives were on-site ahead of the assembly, handing out the shirts to classroom teachers for further dissemination, and allowing students an opportunity to wear them to the assembly. Education and Sagamok Departmental staff, as well as community members in attendance to support the event, were also provided a t-shirt to feel and be included in this kindness campaign.
Raven opened the assembly with an introduction of Bernadette Southwind, Cultural Worker, who offered an opening prayer in Anishinaabemowin to start the WITS assembly off in a good way. Prior to the prayer, Bernadette had travelled throughout the gym offering a traditional smudge, and a welcoming hand-shake, hug, or kind greeting to students and community members assembled to share in this momentous event. Bernadette commented, “There is a lot of positive energy here. I can feel it, and it feels good to see all of the students happy and excited.” Amidst the high energy, Raven moved on to introduce herself to gatherers, thanking the teachers, community members, department representatives, Director of Education, Cultural Workers, and all of the students for their enthusiasm in adopting the WITS program ideals, and energetically welcoming the changes they were willing to make in themselves, their families, community, and within the school setting. There was indeed a lot of positive energy in the room with students cheering and excitement growing in support of this positive initiative. Raven provided students with a few thought-provoking questions and said to gatherers, “Thank you to everyone here for taking a community approach to help our students succeed. That’s why we are all gathered here today.” Raven then requested a few volunteers to come to the front, to perform a simple demonstration for the group. Tug-of-strength was a game (tug-of-war) meant to demonstrate the strength one adult/teacher/student has when they pull another over with bullying behaviour. Conversely, when Raven invited several students, community members, parents, and staff to help tug on the rope to combat bullying behaviours, the game demonstrated what happens when we get support from many on our side. “We suddenly have strength and options for overcoming bullying and adversity,” Raven concluded for attendees.
Members of Anishnawbek Police Services (APS); Constables Chad and Eric, and Sargeant Macumber attended the assembly to provide their support towards this community collaborative effort. They introduced themselves to the students and guests and were greeted with applause and evident trust and delight at their presence. The officers presented some ideas on what kids could do to resolve bullying behaviours, how to identify unsafe behaviours, and said “If you are being bullied or feel unsafe, don’t be afraid to speak to us,” they confirmed. “We are here to help you and support you.”
Raven addressed the student body then, “What is something we can take away from this assembly today?” To which students excitedly responded unanimously and with great spirit, “Kindness!” “YES!” exclaimed Raven, “excellent!” Leading up to the assembly, students had been invited to create artwork with positive affirmations and messages encouraging kindness, which decorated the halls. Colourful posters expressing ideas like Be Kind, You’ve Got This!, I’ve got this!, You don’t have to be perfect at everything, etc. had a positive impact on student morale and their understanding about their role in the WITS program commitment and success.
Raven shared her gratitude for the collaborative effort and support shown towards this initiative stating, “Thank you to everyone and every department who came out to support our Biidaaban students today. The level of community involvement was truly incredible, and the collaboration across departments was inspiring to see. Your time, energy, and commitment made a meaningful difference for our students, and it did not go unnoticed. I am deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and partnership you continue to show.”
Following the event, Principal Becky also offered her positive sentiments towards WITS being implemented at Biidaaban; “Great event Raven! I loved all the support shown across the community departments. I look forward to many more events like this to keep the momentum going!!”
Miigwech to Raven, Student Mental Wellness Specialist, Education Leadership, Biidaaban Staff, APS, and Departments of Sagamok Anishnawbek, for this positive collaborative effort, and providing students, through your supportive presence and embracing of the WITS program, equipping them with tools and encouragement of kindness towards all.