Clifford Cardinal appointed as Cultural Advisor to St. Paul School Division

By Jake Cardinal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(ANNews) – Earlier this month, St. Paul Education announced the appointment of Clifford Cardinal as Cultural Advisor for the entire division.

Cardinal taught at the St. Paul Regional High school since the fall of 2004 as the Cree Language Instructor and Liaison worker.

The new position entails providing advice on culturally relevant practices, protocols, ceremony, and land-based learning, assisting in screening culturally relevant materials, assisting with planning Division events (feasts, round dances, Orange Shirt Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, etc.), and visiting classes to share knowledge and understanding.

Cardinal shares that he is looking forward to these new duties, adding, “If you have respect for all living beings, you will grow in acceptance.”

While Cardinal will officially commence his duties on August 30, 2021, he will continue his work at the St. Paul Regional High School on a part-time basis.

St. Paul Division Board Chair Heather Starosielski said, “We are excited about having Mr. Cardinal on board as the Division moves forward on its journey of Truth and Reconciliation, with the aim of supporting our First Nations students and families, and building intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. In the fall, the Division will also be hiring Community Outreach Workers who will provide support for individual students and families.”