NAME
Iska Magic School (Iska is a Plains Cree word meaning: It seems - through dream or magic) Iska was used because it represented what natives experienced when they first experienced magic as children.
SCHOOL DESCRIPTION
A giant, tepee-like structure with traditional native patterns etched on the sides, each level has a different pattern and the top is made entirely out of glass which can be lowered. Wigwam structures extend in the direction of the four coordinates as sleeping quarters for the students. North for the Peshu, East for the Rektena, South for the Gishi and West for the Witiko.
LOCATION
North Eastern Province of Manitoba | Coordinates: 57.053187, -92.303757| Where the Hudson Bay splits into the Nelson River and Hayes River, the protruding landmass just south of Wapusk National Park, known as Marsh Point.
HOW TO ENTRE THE SCHOOL
The entrance is located north of the York Factory National Historic Site, at the end of a long, thin, winding plank walkway longing the Hayes River. Once at the end, large, enchanted canoes transport the kids by flying (or rowing as the ores make rowing motions) to the coordinates mentioned above. The trip takes three hours.
ORIGIN/HISTORY
In Canada, before there was magic, there was shapeshifting – commonly known as lycanthropy or transforming into werewolves. Many indigenous tribes in the land were afflicted with the disease, but to the Cree and other Indigenous tribes, it was seen as an honour to be ‘chosen’ to become a lycanthrope. They are the only magical group which accepts lycanthropes and has given them equal rights to Iskanies (Magicals – or Wizards as they are called by Anglos) and Naturals (Normies or Muggles).
The school was founded in 1501 under the region's Cree Chief Askuwheteau Isak Mingan (Name meaning: He keeps watch, it seems, through dream or magic over the grey wolf) as many shifters began experiencing magic. It was small and relatively obscure, secluded from other tribes and Indigenous groups. It had one group of students of all ages, taught by the Chief who was said to have been given all knowing powers by the ancestors.
After the French began colonizing the Quebec region in the early 17th century – including a few disgraced wizards and witches – many sought the protection of the Northern Manitoban Cree tribe for fear of percussion in a time when witch trials were rampant in North America. Iska took them all in and taught the French Canadians the ways of the Iskanies, assimilating them in their culture and way of life. Iskanies and French Canadians mixed well and the school grew and grew even throughout the British conquest and the shift in political and religious climate.
Quickly, during the period of the French, a werewolf sanctuary was created next to the school to assure their wellbeing and freedom, looked after by the school’s head and tribe chief. The harmonious relationship between werewolves and Magicals in Canada grew, as Magicals or Iskanies of French descent researched lycanthropy and found a way, without the use of potions, to lessen pain and loss of memory during the full moon period. And over the course of history, Iska Magical School became known over the Wizarding world as the Lycanthrope and ‘half-breed’ experts.
The British weren’t as welcomed to Iska as the French Canadians had been over a century and a half prior, as they tried to push their views and education on the Iskanies, especially their prejudice over lycanthropy. But because the English wizards coming to Canada had nowhere else to go, they were forced to adhere to Iska policies and way of life, which had developed into a way of peace, acceptance and equality.
Over time, the British, just like the French Canadians, mixed in with Iska Cree ways and sought the expansion of the school.
SPECIALTIES
Iska’s specialty lies in Magical Creatures and their care, Animagus and ‘Half-Breeds’. It is renowned for its sanctuaries and equality policies. Creatures from all over the world come to Iska Magical School for protection and acceptance. Around the school, there are many communities for beasts such as for Centaurs and Merpeople as well as for beings such as Vampires, Acromantulas, Manticores, Sphinx, Erklings and Hags and others who are allowed to live their lives without fear.
HOUSES
Gishi (Feather Emblem)
From the mythical indigenous creature Mannegishi, depicted as a tiny human frog-like creature.
House Colours: Burgundy and Orange
Traits:
- Mischievous with a chaotic nature
- Known as reckless and loud, their bravery is unmatched as they tend to act first and think later
- Strong moral compass, they tend to see the world mainly as black and white
- They are not the type to buckle under peer pressure and believe in themselves and their capabilities
Witiko (Tree Emblem)
From the mythical creature Wendigo, a demonic half-beast
House Colours: Dark Teal and Taupe
Traits:
- Reserved and on the colder side, they do not like large crowds or attention and are mistrustful of those who do
- Sharp-witted and quick on their feet
- Scheming and crafty. These people are methodical and plan in great detail before they act or make a decision
- Hungry for knowledge
Peshu (Panther Emblem)
From the mythical creature Mishipeshu, an underwater panther
House Colours: Black and Purple
Traits:
- Protective and territorial
- They believe in honesty and value an honourable way of life
- Family oriented and loyal
- They possess an elegance and charisma that tends to attract others, they tend to be good in positions of leadership, power and respect
Rektena (Rose Emblem)
Made up creature, plant-like nymph being covered in thorns and roses
House Colours: Navy and Sky Blue
Traits:
- Calm and collected, creative and perfectionist
- They tend to be in their heads a lot, getting lost in their thoughts. They also have a habit of keeping their true thoughts and feelings to themselves, making them difficult to decipher.
- Their preferred company is themselves and/or a small and carefully selected group of people
- Independent and level-headed, they are often seen as the voice of reason and wise
CANADIAN MINISTRY AND WORLD
The ministry of Canadian Magic, unlike its Natural counterparts, is not located in Ottawa, the country's capital. It is actually located further north, below the Coats Island in the Hudson Bay. At the south of the capital, there is no wall, which means the brownish green of the Bay can be seen by all, as well as the swimming creatures that reside within the depts of the Hudson. The Minister of Magic in Canada is called a Chieftain and traditionally, the position is held by descendants of Chief Askuwheteau Isak Mingan. The Iskanie government and population, more often than not, stay out of international conflict and have very little contact with other wizarding communities; which is why little is known about the Canadian Magical World as well as its community and school.