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Circle of Honour We all have heroes - people whose values and accomplishments inspire us to act and think the way we do. Role models can be famous people who stimulate us in our careers; or they can be relatively unknown, yet affect the way we behave each day. Our heroes reflect our self-image. The Plains Indians Cultural Survival School (PICSS) was established in 1979 by the Calgary Board of Education in to help remedy the failure of the mainstream education system to meet the needs of Native students. A vital goal of the PICSS curriculum is to instill a sense of pride and self-worth in the students. This is achieved through courses, which emphasize Native culture and history, and through regular contact with Elders. "Circle of Honour" has been developed by Grade Twelve students at PICSS as a way of conveying their own perspectives of who they are Ä as Natives and as individuals. Within the urban environment, these students are constantly faced with negative stereotyping and discrimination. The heroes whom they have chosen embody the human values which each of these students believe are important in maintaining their own self-esteem. These role models provide the inspiration that is enabling the students to reach their goals.
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