Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton is preparing for the arrival of 20 exchange students from Ataguttaaluk High school in Igloolik Nunavut. The students will arrive in the early hours of Friday September 21, and enjoy a busy week experiencing some of the many sights in Bruce-Grey and Southwestern Ontario.

The students will be hosted by local families and will be participating in a variety of activities including school presentation, farm tours, a tour of Georgian College, hiking on The Bruce Trail, and excursions to Niagara Falls and Toronto. On their last morning together in Toronto, the group will enjoy a program hosted and developed by MLSE Launchpad, an organization that helps youth facing barriers use sport to recognize and reach their potential.

From October 30th to November 8th , 23 SHHS students will travel to Igloolik to visit their new friends. While in Nunavut the students will be participating in activities such as dog sledding, ice fishing, and throat singing. They also look forward to viewing the Northern Lights and experiencing traditional foods. This cultural exchange has been arranged through Experiences Canada, an organization that funds youth exchanges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities as well as Indigenous groups to other Indigenous groups. These culturally enriching exchanges provide youth with an opportunity to share their culture, language and traditions while enhancing their pride and respect for their community. Support has also been provided by local contributors including The Power Worker's Union, Sacred Heart Parent Council, Harley's Pub & Perk, The Wingham Knights of Columbus, and the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board.

A fundraiser to support the trips will take place on Monday September 24 at Harley's Pub & Perk in Mildmay (information attached), and our guests will be on hand to enjoy the 'all you can eat wings'.

You are invited to join the celebrations at Sacred Heart High School on Friday September 21, as the students participate in the Welcome Assembly in the morning, and the Grade Nine Appreciation Day activities in the afternnon. Please contact Doreen Schultz, 519-364-5820 x268, if you are interested in joining in on any of the many activities scheduled for the week.

source: media release, BGCDSB