A Portage la Prairie mother is pushing for a religious accommodation after her request to opt her children out of a land-based learning program called Mamàhtawisiwin was denied by the Portage la Prairie School Division.
Sharon Sanders Zettler says she and her husband currently pick up their children during the scheduled land-based learning periods—four out of six school days—to prevent participation. She emphasizes she is not trying to end the program, only to opt her children out. “I’m not asking to ban the program. I’m asking for a religious accommodation. That’s it,” she states.
The concern, she explains, began in September when the program was introduced at Yellowquill School without advance notice to parents. She initially assumed it related to Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, but later learned the program would run throughout the school year and be woven into science, social studies, and French classes.
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Sanders Zettler says her worry centers on what she views as spiritual elements embedded in the framework and in the curriculum delivery methods endorsed by the board. She notes, “It clearly says right in it that the human, natural, and spiritual systems are interrelated. They are not separate systems. Everything they discuss relates to spirituality. The items they want to present as crafts go beyond simple activities; they are spiritual practices in Aboriginal cultures.”
She cites activities such as making tobacco pouches and dreamcatchers as red flags for her family’s faith. “They had my children create tobacco pouches. I know tobacco pouches are a sacred practice. Then they sent home a note saying there would be a field trip where they would have the opportunity to use the tobacco pouches. What else would you use a tobacco pouch for? You’re using it as a spiritual practice,” she explains.
Sanders Zettler formally requested a religious accommodation, proposing that her children receive alternative materials, which she offered to provide herself. She notes the school initially accommodated her children in the library or office while the matter was reviewed.
“They actually accommodated my children from November 12th to December 29th with no issue. There was nothing identified to me as a problem. I don’t see how there would be any undue hardship if this were to continue,” she adds.
The division later denied the request, stating it does not view the program as religious in nature. Sanders Zettler says she appealed and has also contacted the Minister of Education, arguing that provincial policy requires a division to demonstrate undue hardship before denying a religious exemption.
She questions the governance process used by the board, noting she did not witness a formal public vote on the decision. “If there’s an actual decision that needs to be made at a school board meeting, it has to be a motion put forward and a vote held right there in public. It’s a public meeting. We should be able to see how trustees vote,” she says.
A regular board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 24. Sanders Zettler says that if the division sticks to its position, she plans to seek legal counsel.
The Portage la Prairie School Division has been contacted for comment.
