Bullying Awareness Week – November 17-21, 2025
Raven Hammond, Student Mental Wellness Specialist, held a week of information laden activities for students, staff, family members, and community members. The intention was to provide opportunities to deepen understanding about bullying, learn ways we can combat negative actions, and promote kindness and inclusivity with the outcome being improved mental wellness.
Over the course of the week, Daycare, Biidaaban, Lifelong Learning Center, and the Elders Eagle Lodge, participated in specialized activities offering a chance for engagement by/with students and staff, personal involvement, professional development, and awareness-building. The following are the key activities that took place:
- Parent Information booth at Biidaaban November 17 – provided information handouts about recognizing the signs and effects of bullying and ideas on prevention measures or sources to access regarding assistance if someone is being bullied. Raven’s booth and parent information session also served as a ‘Meet ‘n Greet’ to introduce her new position within the Education department;
- T-Shirt Making with Elders from the Elders Eagle Lodge – an interactive opportunity for Elders and students from the Daycare and Biidaaban to engage and provide support to each other through conversation, shared stories, smiles, and hugs. The activity encouraged understanding and healthy relationships;
- Darian Jones, Deanna Southwind, and Natasha Southwind, from the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) department, brought in t-shirts bearing a logo opposing bullying. They delivered the shirts to each classroom and facilitated an exercise whereby students were invited to move around their classrooms and share/write a positive message or sign their name on the t-shirt of their peers. Once completed, everyone wore their t-shirt to proudly demonstrate anti-bullying and the support we can offer each other through simple gestures of kindness like this activity;
- Pink Shirt Day was held on November 19 at Daycare and Biidaaban -- students/staff wore pink to recognize that bullying behaviours have no place in our school or community, and the need to provide care, wellness, and supportive measures towards bullying prevention. The importance of mindfulness towards others was also highlighted;
- ‘Duty to Report’ presentation by a Nogdawindamin representative, was offered on November 20 to the community and all staff, to learn more about the obligation we all have to report abuse/suspected abuse including neglect;
- Also on Nov 20, a Mini Powwow hosted by Child Wellness Workers from FCSS, Darian and Deanna, recognized National Child Day, and offered an opportunity for children, families, and community members to engage in a cultural event in the spirit of personal well-being; and
- An Information Station regarding mental wellness holds a variety of helpful information and is now permanently located at the LLC outside Raven’s office. It includes pamphlets and take-aways.
For interest, Bullying Awareness Week was also acknowledged in the same week by the Rainbow District School Board, including Espanola High School students, in an effort towards building more awareness around the subject of bullying and prevention measures.
In conclusion, following the week-long Bullying Awareness campaign, Raven expressed that she was “pleased with the response she received from various departments in Sagamok, who offered activities to support Bullying Awareness and focus on wellness remedies surrounding inclusivity and kindness.” Many people were involved with the campaign which Raven is very grateful for, “Chi Miigwech”, and she was “really happy with the turnout, support, kindness, and willingness of all to broach the subject of bullying and provide a space to promote kindness, wellness, and more positive mental health measures in the spaces everyone shares and occupies throughout Education and in the community.”