An afternoon with elders
Students fiddle, jig and sing
during long-term care visit
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, December 17, 2015
DEH CHO
Elders at Fort Simpson's long-term care centre got a treat on Dec. 11 when students in Bompas Elementary School's Class 5 stopped by for a visit.
Longtime fiddler Morris Lafferty, centre, was a bit of a celebrity during Class 5's visit to the long-term care centre. Lafferty is surrounded here by E'tonda Arden, left, Calvin Cairns and Lydia Nelner. - April Hudson/NNSL photo
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With fiddles in hand, the youth performed a variety of musical delights such as Cabbages and Rubber Dolly, before kicking up their heels in a jig.
Accompanied by teacher Jackie Thompson and fellow musicians Calvin Cairns and Cam Neufeld, the class then launched into Christmas carols.
Some of the students brought handmade Christmas cards for elders near and dear to their hearts, while others warmed their hands around cups of steaming hot chocolate and sugar cookies.
Long-term care worker Erin Wyatt said the class visit marks one of an increasing number of visits from children and youth. Earlier in November and December, Thomas Simpson Secondary School Slavey instructor Sharon Allen brought her class to the centre.
Elders have also recently had visits from the Open Doors Society's class of Busy Bees, as well as Bompas' kindergarten students.
"The elders here love seeing children," Wyatt said.
"The long-term care centre feels more like a home when more people come to visit."
The happy atmosphere lasted after the young people put away their instruments and turned their attention to the elders.
Thompson said she brought the students to the centre in order to teach them the importance of the elders in the community.
"They are able to see hands-on how knowledgeable (the elders) are, and it gives them a chance to learn the importance of respecting the elders," Thompson said.
"This was meant to be a learning experience. Not only are they learning about respecting their elders but it broadens the views of Christmas. It allows students to see that Christmas is a season of spreading good cheer to all."
Thompson said this was the first time she has taken her class to the long-term care centre, adding that her students had been excited about visiting for quite a while.
"It is something that benefits everyone involved," she said.
Visits are arranged simply by calling the centre and setting up a time.
Wyatt said that since the facility is open around the clock, staff can accommodate just about any time.
"We encourage people to come," she said.
"All anybody has to do is call."
