We will achieve equity of outcomes for Indigenous learners in Cariboo-Chilcotin School District. We will continue to examine our environments, structures, and practices to identify and address barriers. We are committed to continuing to strengthen relationships with First Nation communities as rightsholders and collaborate with community partners who support Indigenous children and youth and their families. We will embed learning about Indigenous culture, perspectives, and language in the daily experience of learners in our schools. Some examples of the work of our plan are:
- District-wide staff learning about Truth and Reconciliation, local Indigenous culture, Circle of Courage and trauma-informed practice
- Planned school-wide culture learning aligned with calendar of local cultural seasonal activities
- Visible language and culture across schools (Knowledge keepers in schools, ceremony, welcome signage, elders posters)
- Review of school libraries and resource collections and additional funding for Authentic First Peoples Resources
- Recognizing cultural learning in community with graduation program credits (local Independent Directed Study framework)
- Meaningful engagement of schools and district in Local Education Agreements (LEA)
- Re-engagement with Equity in Action
Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER for equity for Indigenous students and learning about local Indigenous culture for all students and staff:
Creating a Sense of Belonging
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In our entrance we created a beautiful showcase. Students and parents, that come through the doors and walk the halls, often stop and marvel at the beautiful display. Creating a sense of belonging is very important to our Chilcotin Family.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8b6ab96e-dffc-4eda-a28f-d962bb701afe" alt="IMG 3640 doug brown" width="435" height="579" style="width:435px;height:579px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Every Child Matters ALL THE TIME
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While all of our grade 4-6 students were at the park celebrating the meaning behind orange shirt, our k-3 stayed behind and engaged in a full day of learning and crafting. The theme, YOU MATTER. It all started with an assembly. The book "Every Child Matters"(Phyllis Webstad) and "Be a Good Ancestor" ( Leona Prince) were read to the students. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e7e3e856-b3b8-4401-8b14-859bc641daf1" alt="IMG 3551 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Every Child Matters
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">100 students in Grade 4-6 went down to the Park to participate in a wonderful day of learning. Thank you to all the organizers for their hard work in making this day a very memorable day for all.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f681a6be-519c-4682-a075-cd8032c907ed" alt="processed 96BC358A 8C7E 4954 B0FE C93C4FB3140 doug brown" width="421" height="561" style="width:421px;height:561px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Student of the Week focuses on Seven Sacred Teachings
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cataline continues to recognize our student of the week in one of the areas of the seven sacred teachings. Through this, we can make indigenous learning more visible and demonstrates to our learning community how we can incorporate these teachings into every day learnings.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1dea0906-0015-466e-867d-7e5076d87ac5" alt="IMG 0557 Tess Riley" width="500" height="375" style="width:500px;height:375px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Learning About Truth and Reconciliation
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our students were honoured to welcome Bruce Baptiste from Denisiqi Services Society, who shared his personal experiences attending residential school in Williams Lake. Through his stories, students gained a deeper understanding of the lasting impacts of residential schools and the importance of truth, healing, and reconciliation.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are grateful to Bruce for his honesty and courage in helping our students learn from lived experience and continue walking the path of reconciliation together.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/532276d8-03f2-4315-a34b-5b9b5167a9af" alt="Truth Reconciliation Bruce Baptiste kimberley ikebuchi" width="444" height="333" style="width:444px;height:333px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Reimagining Respect
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When asked to draw a representation of Respect, one of the 7 Sacred Teachings, three school friends, Mikayla Witt, Ezra Harry-Cahoose and Rui De La Cruz, combined their talent to create one of the incredible murals that welcome everyone at the entrance of our school. All the students who contributed to this endeavor, were given complete freedom to design, draw out and paint what they imagined. Our school has been transformed with the art of these talented young people. Wait for more posts of the remaining art for the 7 Sacred Teachings.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/452ba452-4472-4897-8a11-6f100803a900" alt="7 Sacred Teachings Art Oct 2025 Bison Bonnie Sauder" width="467" height="253" style="width:467px;height:253px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Big Cedars Trail
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students explored the Big Cedars Trail in Bella Coola, on the traditional territory of the Nuxalk Nation. They learned about culturally modified trees and the importance of sustainability. Along the way, students discovered local plants used for medicinal purposes and gained a deeper appreciation for the Nuxalk people’s connection to the land and their traditional ecological practices.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ec0b848f-e3f8-4d01-86ce-7d1a83a2cff3" alt="Big Cedars Trail 2 kimberley ikebuchi" width="710" height="946" style="width:710px;height:946px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
The Power of Pow Wow
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We were gifted with the presence of Chelsei Gray - renowned pow wow and hoop dancer from Sq’ewlets and Quw’utsun. We learned, we danced, we left better as better versions of ourselves.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1f06d92e-14cc-4b1f-bc1e-d480e01828ff" alt="kelly glen 5675" width="537" height="398" style="width:537px;height:398px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Orange Shirt Day, the students at Alexis Creek School learned about residential schools by listening to Annette Frank reading the story about the orange shirt. In addition, senior students watched the video, "The Secret Path."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4b3f1731-5a19-4fcc-9cfb-fbe98093eae2" alt="Orange shirt Day helen wight" width="608" height="456" style="width:608px;height:456px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Dan Ch'iz
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students at Alexis Creek School are learning about Dan Ch'iz in Chilcotin Class. They made pictures of the changes in that occur in natural environment during Dan Ch'iz.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1ff56bb1-c11c-4538-8ae2-fa4c714ebe71" alt="Dan Ch iz helen wight two" width="629" height="591" style="width:629px;height:591px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Indigenous Learning Through Dance
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students at Tatla Lake School had the opportunity to learn Pow Wow and Hoop Dance with Chelsei Gray from Jess Dance. Through movement and rhythm, students explored Indigenous culture and tradition while celebrating the joy of dance.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b4a4989a-64e3-43c1-89f0-9529e72a2e5a" alt="hoop dance 2 kimberley ikebuchi" width="373" height="808" style="width:373px;height:808px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Weekly Smudging and Storytelling
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Weekly smudging and storytelling sessions with Bruce Baptiste and Gary Stieman - can offer a wide range of emotional, mental, spiritual and social benefits. Smudging when held consistently, creates safe and supportive space for youth to connect with their identity, community and well-being.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/33846119-51bc-4e2d-a922-5e657b3807ac" alt="IMG 6057 heather auger" width="545" height="726" style="width:545px;height:726px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Human Flourishing - First Month Complete!
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This September, our school community came together under the theme of Respect with a focus on Belonging, guided by the Circle of Courage and the 7 Sacred Teachings. In the Circle of Courage, Belonging reminds us that every person is valued, cared for, and connected to the larger community. In the 7 Sacred Teachings, Respect and Love remind us to honour ourselves, others, and the land in ways that build trust and kindness.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout the month, students across all grades took part in weekly lessons that helped us explore how respect strengthens belonging in our classrooms and school. We practiced using respectful actions through charades and role-play, sorted real-life scenarios into respectful and not respectful choices, and created class charts that showed how respect can be shown to ourselves, to others, and to our community. Students listened actively to one another, brainstormed examples of kindness and empathy, and reflected in journals on ways they could carry respect into daily life.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With our primary classes, we closed the month by reading "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" and discussing how we can fill everyone’s buckets, even our own, through words and actions of kindness. With our intermediate classes, we created a "Pledge of Respect for Our Community," which now hangs proudly on the wall of our Human Flourishing classroom as a daily reminder of our shared responsibility to live with respect.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We also honoured Respect for History by preparing for and participating in Orange Shirt Day. Every student decorated or folded an orange shirt to create our own "Sea of Orange," a powerful visual reminder of the children who attended Canadian Residential Schools. This collective act allowed our school to remember, honour Survivors, and promise to walk together in Truth and Reconciliation.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In September, our learning showed us that respect is more than an individual choice, it is a shared responsibility. Through listening, caring, and standing together, we built belonging, honoured our connections to one another, and lived out the teachings of respect, love, and truth in our school community and beyond.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We move in to October! This month our theme is "Empathy" with a Circle of Courage focus on Generosity (giving kindness, care, and support to others).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ac9e4595-e350-4043-9bd8-766db9d655eb" alt="IMG 6803 marina campsall" width="463" height="578" style="width:463px;height:578px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Joel West visits Columneetza
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During Truth and Reconciliation week, Columneetza students and staff gathered for a whole school presentation from singer and storyteller Joel West. Joel traveled from Burns Lake and touched many hearts in the crowd, sharing his story and personal upbringing. We all had chills as Joel sang covers of popular and inspirational songs, moving the crowd of over 700 people to sing along. What a great presentation!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/411fb85e-3403-49f3-8b1d-67f7f6e4051a" alt="IMG 9809 holly zurak" width="388" height="388" style="width:388px;height:388px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Learning Opportunities during Truth and Reconciliation Week
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to the indigenous culture team led by Ms. Billyboy and supported by fellow staff for providing learning opportunities throughout the week such as an invitation to smudge, making tea, medicine bags, orange shirt pins, and more. It was heartwarming to see students try something new!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f18247e0-2c54-4943-99e8-4fccc4359859" alt="IMG 9805 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
September Brings Salmon and Drumming
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned how to fillet, brine, and smoke salmon with the help of Indigenous Support Workers, Karen D. and Karen G.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Others spent a few days making drums in their band class and French Immersion Art class. These are small ways we can work towards Truth and Reconciliation- bringing knowledge and culture into our schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c3f6edf1-07e3-40a8-ab85-9be6d2e96718" alt="Drums and Salmon Nara Riplinger" width="564" height="705" style="width:564px;height:705px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Art Instillation for Truth and Reconcilation
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Ms. McCambridge's classes worked on a ceramic shoe exhibit inspired by Haida artist Tamara Bell. You can see the miniature boots and runners as well as the discarded moccasins representing the lost culture of Indigenous youth. They complemented the tiny shoes with Messages of Truth in the form of blackout poetry.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7f1451b7-3fd0-429a-930e-587add8e606e" alt="IMG 1682 Nara Riplinger" width="446" height="594" style="width:446px;height:594px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
PSO Orange Shirt Day Activities
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To finish of Truth and Reconciliation Week activities students participated in school wide memorial project. Homeroom classes were invited to place a hand print in memorial. This capped of a week of learning for homeroom classes where each day classes spent time learning and in reflection of their individual roles in Reconciliation. We also held a school wide assembly with guest speaker Trish Mereau to educated staff and students on the 60s scoop and its lasting impact.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9f3eb365-0e38-4ab2-95af-3c10578450ce" alt="PSOOrangeshirtDay2 caitlin currie" width="400" height="300" style="width:400px;height:300px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Regalia and drumming
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike Archie and Trish Meraw visited the school to share information about pow wows. Mike led the students in drumming and the school joined him in singing the honor song. The school learned about the different dances and the regalia worn at a pow wow.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/218f7048-12b6-404a-8993-fcb9e3d94587" alt="Drumming and singing the honor song todd routtu" width="372" height="496" style="width:372px;height:496px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned about residential schools and the origins of Orange Shirt Day. Students folded orange paper into an orange shirt and wrote a commitment to reconciliation.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8e7f8738-4953-4802-9592-781d3be8167c" alt="Orange Shirt day paper shirts todd routtu" width="286" height="215" style="width:286px;height:215px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
National Week of Truth and Reconciliation
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In honouring The National Week of Truth and Reconciliation, Cataline students participated in various learning and reflecting opportunities. From learning the traditional and ceremonial significance of smudging to the Indigenous peoples, to participating in singing and drumming, students were actively involved in learning. Teachers engaged their students with lessons about residential schools and reconciliation, while honoring and reflecting upon the survivors through art and writing. The week concluded with a school assembly and students attending the Orange Shirt Day event at Boitanio Park.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3252c70b-bd7a-4507-92a9-e9ad184b182d" alt="IMG 3809 dwayne benvin" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Smudging Offering
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout the week, in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation, Cataline students were offered the opportunity to participate in a smudging practice that involves cleansing, grounding, and creating balance. Led by Ms. Sonya Charley’s wisdom and the guidance of our ISW workers Jen Bauerochse and Amy Grieve, students learned about the importance smudging, the ceremonial tradition of the Indigenous peoples, using sacred plants—often sage, sweetgrass, cedar, or tobacco which are lit and gently fanned using the smoke to purify a person, space, or object. It was a wonderful learning experience for our entire school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d0e1f54e-0fb6-49c9-a771-25268f009660" alt="IMG 3808 dwayne benvin" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Cataline attends Orange Shirt Day in Botanio Park
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over 125 students from Cataline attended Orange Shirt Day in the park on Sept 26th. All our students really enjoyed engaging with the learning stations in addition to presentations on the main stage. This was an important opportunity to make learning relevant and connected to our communities. Thanks to all the partners who made this event happen!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5f6033ea-8633-418a-809f-89750ed40782" alt="IMG 0411 tess riley" width="403" height="537" style="width:403px;height:537px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Every Child Matters
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On September 30, Canadians wear orange to recognize the survivors of residential schools and to honour the children who never returned home. Orange Shirt Day began with Phyllis Webstad’s story, when her new orange shirt was taken away on her first day of residential school. This simple act became a powerful symbol of the loss of language, culture, and identity that many Indigenous children endured.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At École 100 Mile Elementary, our students took part in authentic learning experiences, including a smudging ceremony and cultural activities that residential schools once tried to strip away. These experiences remind us of the strength and resilience of Indigenous traditions, and why it is vital to learn with respect and humility.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">True reconciliation begins within. It calls us to listen to survivors, to learn about our shared history, and to reflect deeply on our role in building a more respectful future. By honouring Indigenous voices and culture, we commit to ensuring that every child truly matters.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ab51ca3a-a254-4da9-ba86-996bd5632d2e" alt="Every Child Matters crystaldawn langton" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Forest Grove attends the Orange Shirt Day organized by the Orange Shirt Society of Williams Lake
Forest Grove Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our students joined students form the rest of the district to listen to the presenters and enjoy the stations set up by local Indigenous groups. Students made buttons, Smudge spray, rattles and some even had their face painted.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/88c0c73c-0da5-4d22-837f-0af796b54186" alt="processed E29815C8 2B9A 40A6 B54F ECCD993C7F7 Ty Lytton" width="500" height="666" style="width:500px;height:666px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Marie Sharpe's Sea of Orange!
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This past week, Marie Sharpe students spent time in Human Flourishing classes with Ms. Campsall learning about Truth and Reconciliation. Their learning inspired the creation of our very own “Sea of Orange.” Students in Grades 4–6 folded and decorated paper orange shirts, while our K–3 students each decorated one of their own.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition, Ms. Craig’s and Ms. Page’s classes participated in the community Orange Shirt Day event at Boitanio Park today.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It has been a powerful week of learning, reflecting, and honouring the victims and survivors of Residential Schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2680fc34-a613-404a-8ffd-4c3e4620f7c0" alt="thumbnail IMG 6739 marina campsall" width="425" height="318" style="width:425px;height:318px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
A Pledge Towards Reconciliation
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today all our intermediate students spent the day at Boitanio Park participating in Orange Shirt Day Activities while our primary students took part in discussions about Truth and Reconciliation. We spent time learning, reflecting, and making a pledge towards our own reconciliation.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f3067217-0bd2-4730-a983-390e749b0f3b" alt="IMG 5599 kelly glen" width="378" height="503" style="width:378px;height:503px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Mountview Orange Shirt Day Walk
Mountview Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mountview students attended an Orange Shirt Day school-wide assembly and then had a quiet, thoughtful walk around the neighbourhood to symbolize bringing the children back home. We were joined by staff, parents, and Strong Start attendees as well!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4d62ec5f-c5eb-413e-83cd-93d405bbfb3c" alt="IMG 1116 1 Kevin McLennan" width="413" height="550" style="width:413px;height:550px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At 150 Mile Elementary we held our annual assembly to acknowledge, remember and learn about the significance of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We then, as a school, did an honor walk to signify the bringing home of all the children who did not make it home from residential schools. We concluded the day with some circle activities outside.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/802178ee-6e76-4297-ac9b-130a7767f328" alt="48 Craig Munroe" width="561" height="748" style="width:561px;height:748px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
TRC Week in EFP 12
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">English First Peoples 12 students worked through stations of learning during Truth and Reconciliation Week. Each station included reflective learning and hands on activities such as bead work.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ef24eaf6-5d98-4941-928b-2dc4197f8277" alt="PSOTRCWeek1 caitlin currie" width="441" height="331" style="width:441px;height:331px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Smudging to Begin Our Year
Mountview Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mountview staff learned about the ritual and importance of smudging before setting out on the land for an afternoon of being out on the land. Starting our year in a good way.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f9ee198f-eb70-4736-a037-3f0b7f3c20e8" alt="IMG 1097 Kevin McLennan" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Honouring Indigenous Education Through Hands-On Learning
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Indigenous education is essential for building cultural understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging within our school. It helps students connect with the rich histories, traditions, and knowledge of the First Peoples whose land we live and learn on.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This week, Mrs. Dixon introduced students to the art and meaning of hoop dancing—an expressive storytelling tradition—before taking the learning outdoors so students could try it themselves. Penny Reid also led a lesson on talking sticks, which are used in many First Nations cultures to ensure everyone has a voice, teach respectful listening, and promote patience. Students then created their own talking sticks to honour these teachings.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These experiences reflect the Circle of Courage values: Belonging (connection to culture and community), Mastery (learning new traditions), Independence (expressing understanding creatively), and Generosity (listening deeply and respecting others’ stories).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fe706824-0efd-4186-bb49-e5ade4a16546" alt="Honouring Indigenous Education through Hands 2 crystaldawn langton" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Horse Lake Students Help Erect Teepee For Outdoor Learning Space
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tony Solomon spent the day working with our students on how to construct teepees and educating us on their cultural significance. Students started with building a 10 foot ‘learning teepee’ that everyone could help with, and it was large enough to accommodate the entire kindergarten class. After recess, we graduated to a 20 foot model, also built with student assistance, that will grace our school ground as another outdoor learning structure. PAC members topped off our day with a soup and bannock feast for everyone involved! We appreciate the financial assistance of the Indigenous Education Council for making this learning opportunity possible.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5cadf354-111b-47ea-bf0d-45c55589dd37" alt="Teepee 1 Murray Helmer" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Growing Towers for Medicine
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There have been five hydroponic growing towers added to the many resources at the centre. The primary use for these towers will be to grow medicines for gifting to knowledge keepers and elders. All towers have been allocated to keen learning communities and become available as growing projects reach completion!!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2d93251d-84f6-4213-93d0-6ab55879be44" alt="IMG 7431 Dancing Water Sandy" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Eagle Feathers For Learning
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and staff sorted through many donated eagle feathers categorizing them as spotted, solid, large, small, and floofie! This is in preparation for utilizing them for learning in classrooms across the district.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3cda6d5d-9898-4226-889e-7dcb2cd04205" alt="IMG 7430 Dancing Water Sandy" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Celebrating Salmon Through Preservation
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and staff carefully preserved smoked salmon together utilizing the district canning kit, available for sign out through the FN Resource centre. Celebrating the return of salmon to our territories is both exciting and healing! Plus a yummy treat!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a5c41c5a-196e-410c-b71c-c0235a13d942" alt="IMG 7428 Dancing Water Sandy" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Salmon Have Come Home
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Salmon is the theme this month in the cultural calendar. Horsefly students went to the river to see the salmon enter the river to spawn.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4c5c5d72-957c-4656-a67c-9f937417d6ec" alt="IMG 1644 Calvin Williams" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
New Indigenous Education Council
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With great work and consultation, Cariboo Chilcotin School District now has a Bill 40 compliant Indigenous Education Council. A lot of great thought and work went into the development and construction of the Terms of Reference. The district looks forward to working with the representatives of 11 First Nations, Cariboo Friendship Society, and Cariboo Chilcotin Metis Association.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/683df3ba-c57d-4e5a-a3ae-a2f4033095cf" alt="Terms of reference Grant Gustafson" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Where We Live
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On District Planning Day staff at École 100 Mile Elementary engaged in a meaningful Secwepemc language lesson led by Irene Gilbert from Tq’ésqen First Nation. Irene shared words and phrases from the Secwepemctsín language, offering insight into their deep cultural significance and ancestral connection to this land.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following the language session, staff moved outdoors to our community garden, where they received a lesson and created pictographs inspired by traditional Indigenous art forms. These experiences reflect our belief that it is just as important for adults as it is for students to learn about the rich history and living culture of the land we live and learn on.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through this learning, staff model the Circle of Courage values: Belonging by building relationships with local Knowledge Keepers, Mastery by developing new understandings, Independence by taking responsibility for their own growth, and Generosity by passing this learning on to our students and school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/14b40429-4379-4681-b398-3fde1b112ca1" alt="Where We Live 1 crystaldawn langton" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Cultural Interpretive Walk
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dancing Water took my staff on a cultural interpretive walk. We learned about traditional food and medicine right in our back yard. The goal now is to take our learning and teach it in the classroom.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8ac8c761-4968-4018-aec9-b509c5ff0017" alt="IMG 3428 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Indigenous Day of Learning
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Columneetza and LCS were hosted by WLFN to spend the first day of learning together. We shared lunch, chose our learning (melamen, lahal and drumming, powwow, treaty and self-governance, sweat, bannock, rattle making, and touring St.Joseph's Mission) and ended with brushing off. </span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">WLFN was an amazing team to work with and we hope many relationships were kindled between our staff and community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/aa9fcbcf-10f9-4ef5-af4f-ca5c2405486b" alt="IMG 9403 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Big Lake and Likely Staff - Learning on the Land
Big Lake Elementary
Likely Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staff from Big Lake and Likely Schools engaged in learning about traditional plants to gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. Through hands-on experiences and storytelling - they explored the medicinal, nutritional, and traditional uses of native flora. This learning fosters respect for the land and its original stewards, while strengthening community connections.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a9274e59-9b9e-42cf-a56a-6e3b76bf1eb5" alt="BL and Likely staff learning Sari Small" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Starting In a Good Way
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staff members Kaylee, Rick and Shannon welcomed students back to school after summer break with a drumming in and invitation to smudge.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/35c49623-9a04-4d42-8395-c0c6600b22f3" alt="IMG 9106 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
WLFN Hosts Lake City Staff for a Day of Learning
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All staff at Lake City Secondary and Columneetza were hosted by Williams Lake First Nation. We shared lunch, chose our learning (melamen, lahal and drumming, powwow, treaty and self-governance, sweat, bannock, rattle making, and touring St.Joseph's Mission) and ended with brushing off.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">WLFN was an amazing team to work with and we hope many relationships were kindled between our staff and community.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We also had Mary Forbes from Waste Wise help minimize our footprint during lunch.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In these photos:</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chris Wycotte Sr discusses the treaty process and where WLFN is in the journey.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City staff learn the cultural significance of a sweat before participating.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e89a349e-3177-479d-8b56-84c5697fb7ae" alt="IMG 3577 Nara Riplinger" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f24a9fb5-5a36-4014-98dd-a21497757ab8" alt="IMG 3589 Nara Riplinger" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Indigenous Learning – Be a Good Ancestor
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of our focus on Indigenous Learning, staff engaged with the text Be a Good Ancestor and reflected on how its message connects to our school community. We considered the ways our daily practices, decisions, and relationships shape the experiences of students now and into the future. This learning encouraged us to think deeply about our role in creating a school environment that honours Indigenous perspectives and ensures we are contributing positively as ancestors-in-the-making.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6379356b-96d1-4f2d-a376-cbda750c5937" alt="gc2f98al" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Whole Staff Field Trip to Our Local Cultural Center
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On September 2nd, Mile 108 staff had the honour of visiting our local cultural centre to deepen our understanding of Secwépemc culture and history. This meaningful learning will help us bring rich cultural knowledge and perspectives into our school and classrooms. A heartfelt thank you to Floyd Dick for graciously welcoming us, sharing his wisdom, and treating us to the beautiful sounds of the drum and flute. We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing our students to the centre throughout the year to continue this important learning journey together.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/500102ee-f7f8-4c31-b7ee-139af11377ea" alt="thumbnail IMG 8122 Maria Telford" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
On The Land with a Knowledge Keeper
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Before the students arrived on site, staff from Marie Sharpe and Skyline gathered in circle on the local land at Boitanio Park. We enjoyed drumming and singing as well as story telling and a welcome reassurance that learning outdoors is exactly what our students need.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8aa987f7-40b0-40d5-8484-d423b207e392" alt="Learning on the land with a knowledge keeper heather mckinnon" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Cutting Fish
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In Chilcotin class, students learned how to gut a salmon and cut it up. We will be having fish and rice for one of our hot lunches.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3b873846-5368-48dc-8386-fa7d1fa4803c" alt="Cutting fish 6 helen wight 1 " width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Welcome Drumming and Songs
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Val West and Cecil Sheena from the WLFN Cultural Team shared their time with us to help bring in the new school year with traditional drumming and two songs! Val offered a smudge to all students who wanted to participate. Cecil even did an improve Mighty Mouse drum song that had the students laughing and singing along with gusto!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/115d92d4-d211-41f4-8271-66c992681418" alt="10 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
First Week Back to School, Thursday
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During the first week back to school, on Thursday morning, Annette Frank read all of the students a book titled, "Being a Good Ancestor." Near the end of the day, our students took turns laying down their painted river rocks to begin building a medicine wheel. We will continue to add painted rocks throughout the year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/69fab803-66fc-4a81-b09a-03a299c3e232" alt="First Week Back to School Thursday 2 helen wight" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Welcome Back on the First Day of School
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On the first day of school, we welcomed our students with a sidewalk chalk greeting and a smudging ceremony.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d5f95b60-e339-4677-a1c7-49c2938db5b8" alt="Welcome Back on the First Day of School 2 helen wight" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Indigenizing Our Practice
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, staff at Nesika started the year in circle grounding ourselves in the place we live and learn. We continued our day learning about the return of the salmon to the Secwepemc Territory and the impact this has had on the families in our community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/1f46857b-ea0e-4e3f-a437-5ce1c24d06a8" alt="salmon kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
PVP Learning to Be Present
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Stop for a minute, let's listen to the wind in the leaves" - and we did. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We noticed how the quiet calmed our hearts and minds and helped us get ready for the work ahead. Thank you Kukpi7 Mike Archie for reminding us to ground ourselves and be present in every environment we are in.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3c441fc6-5029-46bf-98e1-ce6dc4851773" alt="image 20250819 163119 63125744 Kevin McLennan" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Lac La Hache Medicine Walk
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike Archie lead the Lac La Hache staff in a local medicine walk. The teachings included how local plants were used for food, medicine, and teas. In this picture, staff learned how fir tree pitch was used as a salve and gum. The fir branches are used as a soft place to sit and used in the sweat lodge. Also fir cones were used as a way to keep warm and are burned to create smoke used to tan hides.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9c7ef222-b19c-4e2c-9fc3-ae7cefa6f637" alt="Medicine walk with Mike Archie todd routtu 1 " width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Day of Indigenous Learning to Start the Year
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Under the leadership of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers Association there are excellent Indigenous Culture and Learning offerings on every Professional Development Day. District Day is an opportunity to ensure that all educators engage in focused learning about local First Nations knowledge and culture as they begin the school year on the traditional and unceded Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in, and Dakelh territories. This is a special day in the District as the only time that we have all staff connected for a single purpose.</span><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">District-Wide Virtual Gathering</strong></b></u><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">8:30 </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Refreshments and Reconnecting</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> – School staffs joined by Operations and other District staff</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9:00 </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome to the Traditional Territories</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Greetings from Partners</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent Message</strong></b><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The themes of </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Walking Together</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Be A Good Ancestor </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">will be shared through the lens of books with these titles written by Indigenous authors and our own district </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Key Focus Areas</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">10:45 </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nutrition and Fresh Air Break</strong></b><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Experiential Learning</strong></b></u><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following the break, schools will be engaged in experiential learning of local Indigenous knowledge and culture for the day. Schools collaborated with First Nations education staff and communities and have powerful place-based learning planned. Many will be out on the land or in community and have elders and knowledge-keepers leading the learning. We look forward to shared images and stories of the day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1f30e52e-ed64-4fb0-8854-eeefae249811" alt="content2 cheryl lenardon" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Human Flourishing at Marie Sharpe!
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, students at our school are taking part in lessons that focus on building character, confidence, and strong relationships. Each month, classes explore an important theme — such as problem solving, empathy, respect, communication, perseverance, integrity, relationships, and fairness. Through stories, hands-on activities, and group discussions, students practice skills that help them work through challenges, treat others with kindness, and contribute positively to their classroom and community.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These lessons are guided by the Circle of Courage model of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity, and are enriched by the 7 Sacred Teachings of love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth. They also align with the BC Curriculum Core Competencies, ensuring that students are developing the personal and social skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This month's theme is Respect with a focus on Belonging!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6cdd9ace-e099-41fd-924c-be0741fd8c13" alt="thumbnail IMG 6581 marina campsall" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Cataline Welcomes Students Back with Drumming
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cataline students were lucky to experience a welcome back drum song and well wishes from William on WLFN’s cultural team. Our whole school gathered on the blacktop in our new class groupings to start the year in the best way. Kukwstéc-kuc from Cataline, William!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ec19d68c-db5e-4414-be91-eb7d9a3318fc" alt="IMG 0155 tess riley" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Medicine Walk
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, on our Implementation Day, we were honored to have David Archie join us for lunch and the afternoon to share his knowledge and Indigenous learnings with the staff. David shared words of wisdom pertaining to sense of belonging, connectedness and local land knowledge that undoubtedly informed staff but also inspired them to start the school year! Thank you David!</span></p>
Marie Sharpe Powwow
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Marie Sharpe students were treated to a special year end learning powwow. Students were given the teaching of the powwow and witnessed great dancing by the WLFN cultural team. Special thanks to Cecil Sheena for sharing the teachings of powwow.</span></p>
District Lahal tournament
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Outback Storefront
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Marie Sharpe hosted the 2nd annual lahal tournament. Teams travelled from around the district to take part. Special thank you to all the knowledge keepers that came out to support the event. A great day was experienced by all!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c843f8b1-ef6b-4b57-a033-1b4fb4e5d0e2" alt="7 Grant Gustafson" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
National Indigenous Peoples Day
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Great day! Role models took part in the National Indigenous People’s Day parade. Role Models Micheallaine and Terrance gave welcoming speeches at Boitanio Park.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/071c09d6-79b6-4b45-b521-5aeca61045d2" alt="12 Grant Gustafson" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Indigenous Peoples Day Smudging
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During Indigenous Peoples Day, Cataline Elementary students were invited to participate in smudging, as introduced by Cataline Indigenous support workers, Jen Bauerochse and Amy Grieve. For most of the students, this was the first time they had participated in this cultural experience. Students drummed and sang, while learning the traditions, teachings, and intentions of the smudging ceremonies.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2aadd189-359b-4c79-9f2a-28c9f2d2f40a" alt="IMG 2638 1 dwayne benvin" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Blanketing Ceremony
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cataline Elementary school, with the help from The Orange Shirt Society & WLFN, was honoured to host their second blanketing ceremony where students gifted beautiful and personal blankets to residential school survivors. Cataline Elementary was humbled to welcome survivors, along with their families, to collect these blankets, while listening to the elders share their stories. Three classes, with the help of the Williams Lake quilters, designed and sewed blankets as an offering of warmth, care, and solidarity. Each stitch carried intention, while each pattern reflected the students' learning, symbolizing their commitment to recognizing the truths and honouring the legacy and paths walked by the survivors.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c80822a1-d6d9-465e-a8a2-efc772e953bb" alt="IMG 2552 dwayne benvin" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
South End Schools are Treated to a day of Indigenous Learning at Tsqescen on Indigenous Day.
Forest Grove Elementary
Horse Lake Elementary
100 Mile Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from 100 Mile, Horse Lake, Mile 108 and Forest Grove learned how to play double ball, Lahal, and make pitch medicine. Thank-you to Eliza Archie Memorial School for hosting such a great event.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7add5176-ee2d-4ea0-9abf-a444f86796c1" alt="South End Schools Indigenous Day 2" width="442" height="589" style="width:442px;height:589px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
National Indigenous Peoples Day
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the past week, our students and teachers have taken the time to learn about Indigenous people, their language and culture. Types of learning included the history of talking sticks, bannock making, famous persons, traditional territories and history. Our final acknowledgement of Indigenous Peoples Day was to have all students color an Orange Shirt emblem for Every Child Matters and hang it on the school fence.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/dc90251b-0ead-4fe2-afda-23702abc62fe" alt="Talking Sticks 2" width="599" height="798" style="width:599px;height:798px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Lady That Turned to Stone
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and staff from Alexis Creek School and Tatla Lake School recently visited the Tsilhqot’in sacred site known as The Lady that Turned to Stone. This visit was part of our ongoing work to support Indigenous learning and place-based education in SD27.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elder Annette Frank shared the oral history of the site, helping students understand its cultural significance to the Tsilhqot’in people. Bruce Baptiste from Denisiqi Family Services joined us and led students in preparing tobacco ties, which were offered at the site.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This experience helped students connect with the land and deepen their understanding of Tsilhqot’in traditions and teachings. It was also an opportunity to build relationships between schools and communities and to learn directly from local knowledge keepers.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7c78130a-44ec-4593-8822-c1f2c069780b" alt="lady that turned to stone kimberley ikebuchi" width="442" height="589" style="width:442px;height:589px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Cultural Experiences in Esk’et
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Four classes, with the help of FNEC, travelled to Esk’et to participate in a sweat experience. Students also learned to make tobacco ties, drummed, and spent time on the land.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/97753ef1-548e-4e4e-be6f-4159b30e9a3e" alt="Esk et 2" width="395" height="526" style="width:395px;height:526px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Gifting of Quilts
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Three classes at Cataline, with the help of the quilters guild, presented their quilts to residential school survivors in a whole school ceremony. The students observed blankets being smudged, drumming, and listened to stories from survivors.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2a85dd3b-4d53-4beb-a08a-2461f63d4db0" alt="Gifting of Quilts" width="436" height="581" style="width:436px;height:581px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Stick Games
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cataline Secwepemc Language and Culture teacher, Ms. Sonya has been working with our primary students as they learn traditional Indigenous stick games, preparing for interclass competitions. The students are truly enjoying the strategy and competitive spirit of the games. They’re have fun too!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/a98f811b-8251-4de7-ad99-e27a2842ae83" alt="Stick Games" width="687" height="631" style="width:687px;height:631px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><br><br></p>
Pow Wow Drum
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Elder Dave DeRose was in today showing the students the process for building a Pow Wow drum. Dave shared many Indigenous stories and legends related to the making of Pow Wow drums. Specifically related to the building of the drum Dave talked about the measuring process for the hoop/ring construction, the types of hides and the sounds they produce and how to string the hide to the hoop. Once the drum is dry, Dave will go over the design selection and painting process.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ee93b434-bb00-4687-a0fd-690637e68ec1" alt="Pow Wow Drum" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d0d87f29-2250-438f-8446-ed4a2347ecb2" alt="Pow Wow Drum" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><br></p>
Celebration of Culture and Language
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you Mrs. Jack, with helpers Dancing Water, Freda, William and Danikka for hosting a Cultural Learning Celebration Friday afternoon for our Secwepemc and Chilcotin language students. They really enjoyed the hands-on learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/95e89358-754d-4a54-9c01-5788b36aab2a" alt="Celebration of Culture and Language" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4bca3c59-84d5-4dbf-a567-08de902cb0a9" alt="Celebration of Culture and Language" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Marie Sharpe Elementary Recognizes Red Dress Day
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and staff at Marie Sharpe recognize Red Dress Day with classroom discussion and beautiful artwork in memory of MMIWG.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f7ef99df-68c9-4fef-a8d8-0fa66d3dc812" alt="MSE Recognizes Red Dress Day" width="647" height="485" style="width:647px;height:485px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><br><br></p>
Forest Grove Joins other south-end schools at the Tsq̓éscen̓ Powwow
Forest Grove Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students join hands for the circle dance during the Powwow demonstration with Tsq̓éscen̓ Daycare group.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6ae1ee2e-9d70-46c5-a151-da5ac8047f96" alt="Forest Grove Joins other south-end schools at the Tsqescen Powwow" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a97fe019-9ad0-4f75-8490-4aab6d65e34c" alt="wmthp9kp" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><br><br></p>
Elders Tea
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was so great to see so many elders join us at Lake City for tea, bannock, baked goods and sandwiches made and served by students and staff. An exciting round of bingo with prizes was enjoyed by all and we closed our day together with a smudging. We thank our elders for sharing a few stories with us and being part of our school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/42a2b6e8-55a5-4b64-a39a-0d36b4128ec2" alt="Elders Tea" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d501f140-dae1-4eb9-91eb-4ed12b0737ee" alt="Elders Tea" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Indigenous Drum Playing
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Under the guidance of the Canim lake Elders, Lac La Hache students enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to play their drums that they had constructed earlier this year.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/12c66f3a-9a4a-42f8-ba39-600de1530367" alt="Indigenous Drum Playing" width="427" height="569" style="width:427px;height:569px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3477ef6d-6856-40ac-b9d7-e9da7e5cc2c7" alt="Indigenous Drum Playing" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br><br><br></p>
Independent Directed Studies Showcase
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A great day for Brianna Pope to share her Independent Directed Studies learning to her panel of evaluators. Brianna took on the learning challenge of finding ways to incorporate traditional healing practices into Western Medicine. Her learning path took her across Canada touring academic institutions where she will be able to pursue her educational dreams. What an amazing young learner! Congratulations on a successful IDS!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/96510f13-2fc4-450c-93f4-86f537ac2acf" alt="Independent Directed Studies Showcase" width="650" height="462" style="width:650px;height:462px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
OMRIE 2025
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On May 1-2, seven students travelled to Kamloops to take part in the Okanagan Mainline Region Indigenous Education Student Leadership Summit. The purpose of the summit is to provide students from around the region the platform for their voices to be heard and shared. The topic of the summit was Mental Health.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d0bceeee-da5e-4b60-aa57-4145106c5689" alt="OMRIE 2025" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a95f7e99-43b0-4ee9-9f5a-8ee7395cb2a5" alt="OMRIE 2025" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
TRU Transition Trip
Lake City Secondary
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On April 22-24, thirty three students travelled to TRU to see what post secondary is all about. The trip encourages to students to pursue post secondary plans. It shows students what options are available, the supports that are available for them, answers any questions they may have, and eases their transition to learning after high school. Lots of fun was had by this great group of students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bbd9a1e5-d53f-4f18-b35a-f5dfa4ff73d6" alt="TRU Transition Trip" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/29596049-9420-4341-ae4f-704b5fc2e485" alt="TRU Transition Trip" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Medicine Pouches in Tsilhqot'in Class
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned about medicines and made their own medicine pouches in Ms. Gilpin's Tsilhqot'in class. Her sister shared knowledge with the class and Elder in Residence, Aubrey Jackson, also assisted the students.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4aae35ef-5e1c-46bd-aee1-d00b080d839c" alt="Medicine Pouches in Tsilhqotin Class" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fcfdb70c-6757-45d3-ada4-632da1df97f1" alt="Medicine Pouches in Tsilhqotin Class" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Kukpi7 Robbins Shares Knowledge
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 10 and 12 English First Peoples classes were honoured to have Kukpi7 Fred Robbins share stories and lessons from his life.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/50ab7a84-77c3-408f-b369-a85c0352169b" alt="Kukpi7 Robbins Shares Knowledge" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Traditional Dance
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Mrs. Coulombe's K/1 class, with the help of our two language and culture teachers, Mrs. Irene Charley and Mrs. Sonya Charley, learned a traditional dance.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b8a776a2-acda-4e1d-831f-46e3cb2f77e6" alt="Traditional Dance" width="611" height="458" style="width:611px;height:458px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Horse Lake Class Hosts Learning Pow Wow
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The grade 3/4 class at Horse Lake spent the day immersed in Indigenous culture during a recent learning Pow Wow with Mike Archie, Trish Meraw, and Lydia Dick of the Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation at Canim Lake. The students were led through an exploration of regalia, learned how to play Lahal, and drummed while our guests danced in our outdoor learning structure. The students also enjoyed a feast which included bannock which they made the day before with our Indigenous Support Worker. Other classes joined in the festivities throughout the special day.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/405ebda7-1d2a-40e2-b9c9-01f5ae3d8b2f" alt="Horse Lake Class Hosts Learning Pow Wow" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4be096e4-3fc5-4e3a-9db2-98ad57027dae" alt="Horse Lake Class Hosts Learning Pow Wow" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Connecting to the Land
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Many students went fishing this week. Only one student was lucky enough to catch one. Later the fish was cleaned and the youth made an amazing meal to share with the school community.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/78a0e3e8-9c63-46e6-89fc-6525881760a3" alt="Connecting to the Land" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bb07381e-8bd4-49df-9cfc-7c107ebe4dc9" alt="Connecting to the Land" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Drum Making at Lac La Hache
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Every student now has an indigenous drum to call their own thanks to the guidance given to us by the Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation elders.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5d6189a4-80c9-4b87-9e88-28a0ccd5f712" alt="Drum Making" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7a8b3a8b-14dd-45e7-bbd2-54c0aa9ab2bc" alt="Drum Making" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
WLFN Brings Drum Circle To Horse Lake Elementary
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Horse Lake Elementary staff and students were thrilled to host Danikka Murphy and William Lulua of WLFN as they brought their Drum Circle to our school. They described the cultural significance of the drum as a 'heartbeat' and showed the students how they were constructed and maintained. William and Danikka then taught the students a Welcome Song and handed out drums to perform together with our students. Mrs. Pugh's grade 7 class were invited to accompany the performance using drums they had made from hides that were tanned by last year's graduating class. Having 200 students perform as one was a powerful moment for our school!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f1bd51a5-a3fe-4987-be4d-ac7ac49dc008" alt="WLFN Brings Drum Circle To Horse Lake Elementary" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2c556c13-8779-47f3-8d81-0f09f03370b5" alt="WLFN Brings Drum Circle To Horse Lake Elementary" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
PSO Gr 11 and 12 Student Drum Making
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in grade 11 and 12 students in BC First Nations Studies 12 worked with elder Victoria Frank to learn about the process of making drums, stretching and shaping hide, and how to wrap a drum frame. Students learned about the significance and protocols of drums and drumming.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5d62423d-a58e-4d05-91da-57fc45d8a081" alt="PSO Gr 11 and 12 Student Drum Making" width="632" height="433" style="width:632px;height:433px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Kukpi7 Sellars Visit
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kukpi7 Sellars visited our school to do a book reading of, "Hockey with Dad," and "Dip Netting with Dad." Kukpi7 Sellars entralled the students with his great story telling skills and shared many indigenous learnings with the students. Thank you to Kukpi7 Sellars and his team, WLFN and to Horsefly and Big Lake Schools for visiting and sharing story time with us.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4bab78cf-13b3-40d4-855d-bd1654c94887" alt="Kukpi7 Sellars Visit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9c22f440-ad9f-4b45-b66e-84d3fb834c61" alt="Kukpi7 Sellars Visit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Buddy Reading and Collaboration
Mountview Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to the Esket drummers for welcoming us back to school. The Honor Song and the Bear Song set the tone for us to be thankful, thoughtful, and strong as the new term begins.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c0d70cf9-e117-460c-b42a-f7b82241fc82" alt="Buddy Reading and Collaboration" width="680" height="421" style="width:680px;height:421px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Elder in School
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile had Mr. Dave Derose in today working with several students making drums. Dave has recently adopted the role of 150 Mile Elementary School Elder, we welcome Dave to our school and look forward to him sharing his life learnings in Indigenous language and culture with our students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fe43a644-a37f-4cc4-b032-b98486b3d083" alt="Elder in School" width="574" height="412" style="width:574px;height:412px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Elder in Residence: Aubrey Jackson
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City Secondary is very pleased to welcome Aubrey Jackson as the Elder in Residence. Aubrey is a member of the Gitxsan of Damlaxhamid and holds hereditary title as Xsimoyget Yal. Moving into retirement after 26 years as a Fisheries Officer with DFO, Aubrey can now focus on his love for his family, his commitment to reconciliation, and his connection to the land. He currently sits on the Youth Advisory Council for MCFD and has a deep understanding of children who have experienced trauma. Aubrey is an accomplished bagpiper, storyteller, chef, and outdoorsman, with his videos being shown on Rogers TV under the title, “Indigenous Way.” Our spaces will benefit from his knowledge, acceptance, positivity, and humour. Welcome, Aubrey! We are so honoured to have you with us.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/76a3d102-3956-4eaf-9ea1-90ab6ddfd009" alt="Elder in Residence Aubrey Jackson" width="453" height="590" style="width:453px;height:590px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Learning a Traditional Song
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Williams Lake First Nation culture team visited yesterday to share some of their time with us. Dannika, William and Valerie shared an honor song, written by Mitchell Dyck, with students and then taught us the basics of the drumming and the singing of the song. WLFN fortuitously brought along extra drums so that more students could learn the drumming. Thank you WLFN for sharing the day with us!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8366c412-bee2-4491-af02-1cf4fe922dae" alt="Learning a Traditional Song" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9848c8c5-c6ea-41a3-b142-9051dd36f769" alt="Learning a Traditional Song" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">100 students from Nesika Elementary School had the immense privilege to visit the WLFN Pow wow arbor for a gathering of well over 500 students and colleagues from SD27. They took two buses and were there for half the day. Students had the opportunity to listen to speeches and bear witness to survivors' accounts. Local community agencies were well represented and students were even gifted with food and items to take home. Thank you Orange Shirt Society, SD27, WLFN and all who helped put together this meaningful event.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/809e98ac-ff1f-5e1d-b200-f2d782c7ed0c" alt="zsit6xgz.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Spring Drumming
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With the weather warming up, it's nice to take the students outside to learn and showcase their drumming and the knowledge they are learning during our Secwepemc classes. Mrs. Hopkins and Mrs. Testawich are excited to continue the drumming with their classes, practicing the Women's Warrior Song, while including this in their weekly schedule, making drumming a fantastic way to end each week and send students off in a good way each Friday afternoon.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/83fc8f2f-62eb-4457-816d-e22002ecf2b7" alt="Spring Drumming" width="615" height="615" style="width:615px;height:615px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Storytime with Chief Willie Sellars
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Not only was it Pink shirt day but we were also fortunate to have Chief Willie Sellars come and share his new book with us! Students sat, listened to Dip netting with Dad and Hockey with Dad. What a fun way to learn about Culture and Family.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d6e6972e-af97-48a2-a772-9faf989b13fd" alt="Storytime with Chief Willie Sellars" width="701" height="462" style="width:701px;height:462px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Drumming in Horsefly
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from Horsefly learn the Welcome Song.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f9b220f2-ea80-4baa-92de-edf2f1ee6808" alt="Drumming in Horsefly" width="593" height="543" style="width:593px;height:543px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Honour Song Workshop
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are so fortunate to have had the team from WLFN join us for the afternoon to teach us the Honour Song. We also had time to practice our school Salmon Song that was written with Danikka Murphy in September.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5d08eac8-90d8-4e01-a9db-b2f342b8ad21" alt="Honour Song Workshop" width="602" height="583" style="width:602px;height:583px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Lifting Spirits with Drumming
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">WLFN Culture Team presented to Skyline students and staff. Two members of the team are Skyline Alumni (flood of happy memories). The drumming and teaching of the Honor Song was a perfect way to send everyone into the break. Many youth showcased their drums they recently made.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/edbfc9f3-ba78-4472-b520-033906b6f610" alt="Lifting Spirits with Drumming" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6fee8378-1b0d-4ea1-8ecd-b1d09e9834c9" alt="Lifting Spirits with Drumming" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Language & Culture - Project Time
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This term has been focused on projects. During the winter months we cannot be outside as much as we'd like to, so we focus on learning hand projects inside. The grade 6s have completed their drums, the grade 5s have completed their rattles, and now Miss Danikka and Mrs. Swampy and teaching M Routtu's class how to make ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts. We can't wait to see the finished masterpieces!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/14917a60-7188-4a6f-91b5-2c068daa9795" alt="Language Culture Project Time" width="573" height="1018" style="width:573px;height:1018px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Bannock Tacos
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Foods Class made Bannock Tacos and everyone else in the school got to eat them. It was a big hit. Featured is one of the cooks, and some of the Intermediate students enjoying their Bannock Tacos for lunch.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ee8fb67a-a046-4dc4-8df9-a55564f9e505" alt="Bannock Tacos" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5fa00a3f-5f6a-44ac-8f78-d19f96de56c4" alt="Bannock Tacos" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Skyline Youth Enjoyed Making Drums
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Making Drums with Cecil Sheena. The youth enjoyed drum making and storytelling with Cecil. The youth are always excited when Cecil arrives with his activities and wisdom. The youth are excited to use their drums next week when the WLFN Culture Team arrives for singing and drumming</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a742368a-58af-43af-8b9a-439328484603" alt="Skyline Youth Enjoyed Making Drums" width="570" height="356" style="width:570px;height:356px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Dream Catchers
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For the month of February, students made Dream Catchers. Students worked together kindergarten to grade 10.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4a9e6e83-5b65-4193-aaf6-c03adb7adc22" alt="Dream Catchers" width="607" height="523" style="width:607px;height:523px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Grade 6 Drum Making
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 6 students at Cataline Elementary have begun making their drums to showcase around the school before taking them home during their Grade 6 Leaving Ceremony. With the guidance of William and Danikka from WLFN, and supported by ISW Jen Bauerochse, students will be carefully and gradually working through the drum making process in preparation for June. Today, students soaked the hide and then began wrapping and formatting the drum.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/078e8e24-65a0-4311-a5a4-bd22144bfc77" alt="Grade 6 Drum Making" width="516" height="516" style="width:516px;height:516px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Chief Willie Sellars Entertains Horse Lake Students with His Books
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staff and students of Horse Lake Elementary were thoroughly entertained by a visit from Chief Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation, who treated us with readings from two of his children's books, Dipnetting with Dad and Hockey with Dad. Intertwined with the stories, he shared his personal stories with his own family experiences and answered questions from the students. The presentation was very interactive, with kids cheering along with his description of his hockey games, and watching with fascination when Willie shared videos of his dipnetting adventures. Our assembly ended with Willie drumming and singing to close out his entertaining visit.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7e484d4d-87c7-4f25-a83b-a7e5dcd61b7a" alt="Chief Willie Sellars Entertains Horse Lake Students with His Books" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/99720971-6e6c-4100-ae9b-f23797dce7f2" alt="Chief Willie Sellars Entertains Horse Lake Students with His Books" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Designs of Characters found in Indigenous Legends
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from kindergarten to grade 10, are learning to draw the characters from Indigenous Legends in Art. Students have listened to various legends and drew some of the main characters. The pictures below are of thunderbirds, ravens, and turtles.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/21e7d133-79bc-4e63-90c0-8f958e45e991" alt="Designs of Characters found in Indigenous Legends" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a6efb978-e759-421c-80dc-9425038d7a4e" alt="Designs of Characters found in Indigenous Legends" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
WLFN Office Visit
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) hosted Mrs. Coulombe's class at their beautiful Band Office. The tour was designed to help the students learn about the various departments that work in the office. Traditional signing and drumming was included as well as a book reading of, 'Hockey with Dad', by Kukpi7 Sellars.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3c16da2f-4a1d-4ba9-96b9-a303e17d7cb9" alt="WLFN Office Visit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3525d628-842b-4db6-889a-6aa54f005715" alt="WLFN Office Visit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Indigenous Education Resources
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are committed to integrating Indigenous education into our classrooms. Recently, our students participated in a lesson about smudging and its cultural significance by creating smudge candles. Using a resource kit available through our Indigenous Education department, students explored traditional Indigenous practices and learned about the meaning behind herbs.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3dc10ab2-54bd-4b64-892d-65b567cf22c9" alt="Indigenous Education Resources" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/48320e1a-21e2-4663-b3b4-6c73d71d57e8" alt="Indigenous Education Resources" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Weaving Tradition into Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our primary students have been engaging in a hands-on cultural learning experience by weaving Coast Salish bags. This activity connects students to Indigenous traditions while developing fine motor skills, patience, and creativity.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/288fa145-a53c-45d4-9317-5e150ae1a26e" alt="Weaving Tradition into Learning" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fc532bdf-60a6-44af-8d5a-07f6072a6134" alt="Weaving Tradition into Learning" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Drum and Rattle Making
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Canim Lake Knowledge Keepers along with volunteer community members helped Lac La Hache students to either construct native drums or rattles. We were really pleased with how they turned out and we are looking forward to painting them and playing them soon.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/df24add7-0fed-4852-b6f1-af5df659c1d2" alt="Drum and Rattle Making" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/654aed57-7d5c-4592-a233-4303ca3e684a" alt="Drum and Rattle Making" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Lahal at Lake City
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bruce Baptiste, Gary Stieman, and Jenny Quilt from Denisiqi Service Society have visited our students on two occasions to teach us how to play Lahal.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/225c5efd-1370-4d23-89fd-7f0e9a7aa162" alt="Lahal at Lake City" width="609" height="577" style="width:609px;height:577px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Elder's Tea
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City students and staff hosted elders for tea and bingo. The group shared stories, teaching, and lots of laughs. Lake City is hoping to host another tea in the spring.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/da5e47dd-487e-47a9-be87-7121cb00df4a" alt="Elders Tea" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f01d9af6-ef28-4609-a598-0bcd8db4f2e3" alt="Elders Tea" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Powwow 2025 at Columneetza
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from 100 Mile Elementary attended the powwow in Williams Lake hosted by Columneetza Junior Secondary. Students experienced firsthand a rich cultural experience of drumming and dancing. This was a gathering for all people in Williams Lake and communities to be a part of a demonstration of Indigenous people's way of being. Thank you so much for inviting our school to this special day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ace12845-9488-4d06-9403-e6436275e909" alt="Powwow 2025 at Columneetza" width="510" height="549" style="width:510px;height:549px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Elder in Residence
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elder Elsie Urquhart is our Elder in Residence at 100 Mile Elementary school. She came to us in October 2024 and quickly established a grandmother role in our school. She is a major support that helps us connect to our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. All her teachings come from an Indigenous perspective and strong understanding of Indigenous history in the community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2efba7a4-eb0f-4a59-856d-5a16cb7767dc" alt="Elder Wisdom" width="499" height="532" style="width:499px;height:532px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Cataline makes Bannock
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With the support of our language teachers, Ms. Sonya Charley and Ms. Irene Charley, intermediate students enjoyed making and cooking bannock. Students shared the bannock they made with their primary friends as well as staff. It was a great treat enjoyed by all!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/30517b13-55de-46b1-b45f-ec74baff04d0" alt="Cataline makes Bannock" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7d091678-5e12-4fd0-8291-8873c108f472" alt="Cataline makes Bannock" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Community & Culture
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our grade 3 and 4 students enjoyed participating in a student cultural day at Canim Lake. Lots of laughter, learning, and connections made. We are looking forward to visiting again soon.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4f6ceb01-b57b-4a23-ba51-9a4282bc8a6d" alt="Community Culture" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3c05868f-7490-4e70-8624-8fdcf4c2c84d" alt="Community Culture" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Grade 6 Drum Projects
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Grade 6 have begun construction on their drum projects. Every year students in grade 6 build their own drum with help from Ms. Danikka and Mrs. Swampy. Students learn about the importance of drumming in indigenous cultures, learn songs, and apply their own personal art work. At the grade 6 leaving ceremony in June, students honor their parents, their teachers and their classmates with a drum circle. We can't wait to see the completed projects!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/907bbf94-c2e2-47e8-a109-041b4830040d" alt="Grade 6 Drum Projects" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/17d534b1-968f-4962-b5d8-be216805c84c" alt="Grade 6 Drum Projects" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Chilcotin Language Oral Story-telling
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For Day 5 of Literacy Week, we celebrated outside with s’mores! Mrs. Jack taught Chilcotin culture and language class outside and she highlighted the importance of oral traditions in storytelling. Mrs. Peach, Mrs. Guichon and Mrs. Swampy helped us too (including prepping 300 s'mores!)</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8f2b6d89-218f-48b6-9041-39d1ea4ca4b2" alt="Chilcotin Language Oral Story-telling" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f60f61af-c73a-49a7-9557-8ddb10d0da3e" alt="Chilcotin Language Oral Story-telling" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Learning from Elder Dorothy Myers
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our students had the privilege of learning from Elder Dorothy Myers, who shared teachings about Indigenous culture and traditions. As part of this meaningful experience, students created tobacco ties, a sacred offering in many Indigenous traditions. Those who wished were given the opportunity to burn a tie as an expression of gratitude or intention. This hands-on learning experience deepened our understanding of Indigenous practices and reinforced the importance of respect, reflection, and connection to culture.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a1830356-7c0f-5ce7-acfc-cd9e95ca2c04" alt="eny9kbii.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2f21a8e3-d571-5aa0-94ca-f9cb2f851981" alt="3eoje5pc.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>
Traditional Teachings at Marie Sharpe
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January is the month of Traditional Music and one in which we focus on the teaching of Love. This month, Mrs. Jack has spent her time dedicated to teaching each class, even our youngest learners, traditional songs. Here was also see our kindergarten teacher Mrs. Isnardy lovingly scaffold the art of keeping beat on the drum with gentle taps on the shoulder. Not only does learning the sacred art of singing and drumming take patience and time, it requires the gentle and loving approach of all those involved.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c4abfd43-101a-56df-95a2-d5a853963be4" alt="6h4kb8rf.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>
Smudging
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We started our first day back after the Christmas break welcoming our students with a smudging. We started our new year off in a good way.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/90340de7-9dfe-52ae-a228-8397eef71c36" alt="bvkl1am1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a5189c9e-c9c5-5141-acb8-fd992238ca02" alt="tz0fzu5c.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>
Drum Making
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile Elementary has started the Grade 6's making their 'going away' drums. With the help of Irene Charley, Sonya Charley and Gerald Charley students learned the traditional methods for making drums. Once the drums dry, students will be taking great care to paint their drums. Special shout out to FNEC and Grant Gustafson for providing funding and the resources for this great opportunity.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2ce6d5f6-c223-51a1-aa71-1ad08083b81a" alt="0qgzddge.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6df2f633-c1fb-5d36-82e8-7477e7b3f650" alt="jepzgg65.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>
Learning Secwepemctsín
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In Ms. Murphy's language and culture class, students are engaged in playful language acquisition. Did you know you can play Scrabble in Secwepemctsín? Purchased locally!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/887acf4c-e72c-5907-8ea7-8d98e41954c4" alt="hzok5zzk.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ece52a23-0dc9-53d5-b4f6-05071e60fb72" alt="bsi50kmy.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Stick Games
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether in kindergarten or grade 6, Cataline students are quickly learning the art of playing Indigenous stick games. With the guidance and teachings from Ms. Sonya Charley and Mrs. Irene Charley, students have been introduced to game of Lahal. Students are eager and excited to learn and play, while joining the singing and drumming, too. A little competitive spirit makes things fun as well!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/733ed7fd-9482-54a1-b836-8f04c1eac2f0" alt="s9jpm3k6.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8c3dc0b2-a25a-52cd-97c3-d30fa3b074fe" alt="1q2z1sce.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Indigenous Literacy
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile Elementary has just received our first of 3 large book orders that are focused on highlighting Indigenous authors and also many Indigenous topics. These books will vastly improve our selections of great literature from Indigenous authors in our library.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/c5360abf-00d8-40e4-93ec-3865ae6c9fbf" alt="Indigenous Literacy" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
PSO's Mini Powwow
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PSO hosted a mini-powwow on Dec 13th. Our student drum group performed for the school, student dancers showcased their regalia and dance styles. Drum group Wild River returned for the second year to lead the school in singing and sharing about different powwow dance styles, regalias, and practices. Chili and bannock was on hand for hungry participants and viewers!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/dc0f0b8f-40cf-54a8-89a8-159226fb4a70" alt="9j49ev8o.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/97c11705-6455-55f1-a6dd-5fd363a4f2e8" alt="uu9vi56r.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Drum Making
Mountview Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Charlie, Shuswap Language and Culture teacher, with the help of Mrs. Romaniuk, Mr. Rogers have been making drums with Mountview students. When done, we will tell stories, drum, and sing the songs this land has heard for thousands of years.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a049e1e5-ef62-50b5-873d-9cafe0a71ca6" alt="u3jd7nrf.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Forest Grove Students Discover Tracking Skills
Forest Grove Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Greg Pellerin demonstrates what to look for when setting traps on a trap line as well as techniques for identifying tracks of local animals.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5a9ddde9-b05b-56d8-95a1-ced25c1808bd" alt="ospk69xa.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Blanket Ceremony for Superintendent Lenardon
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Debbie Dixon gifts Cheryl Lenardon a blanket to honour her commitment to our district and and the leadership team she supports. The ceremony was followed by a smudge delivered by Dancing Water Sandy for the Principals and Vice Principals throughout the district. It was a very special moment for all involved and a bonus that several Marie Sharpe students were able to witness the ceremony as class dismissed.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2ece482e-40db-5368-af44-33f9ddf14199" alt="ybo8a478.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d6a24def-e1d0-5e75-9e89-48f9c64416d3" alt="nbg39s1t.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Learning Lahal
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Building on the popularity of Lahal last year, Mrs. Charley begins the slow but rewarding process of teaching a whole new group of students the intricacies of the traditional First Nations game of Lahal. Always amazed at how fast the students learn the game and participate fully!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f696cd1d-4031-55e0-8d4b-89f730ffd7be" alt="aee1ts6u.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Storytelling
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Passing down knowledge and culture through story. Our school, students and staff alike, were captivated by Kenthen Thomas' storytelling abilities! Kenthen took us on a journey as we learned about how bear and coyote found the balance between day and night.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9e9670a1-67c2-576b-8923-23c4ba8877ad" alt="fwsaf3le.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Metis Bev Lambert
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Metis Bev Lambert introduced the classes to history and culture of the Metis people. How they farmed the land and traded wares during the fur trade. They took culture from both European and First Nations. Bev taught the Red River Jig and incorporated the importance of taking what our grandparents passed down to us. Being kind to each other and using the gifts we were given.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Respect: to honor and listen to our elders, parents and teachers. What we are comes from our Grandmas and Grandpas.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wisdom: Everyone has a special gift, show Wisdom by using that gift.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/d8b3054f-e12b-4202-bc70-03ba39dd38ca" alt="Metis Bev Lambert" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Secwepemc Storyteller Entertains Horse Lake Students
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">First Nations performer, Kenthen Thomas, entertained our student body with his fascinating and animated retellings of legends of the Secwepemc, his family land for more than 10,000 years. He learned storytelling from his late grandmother, respected and legendary Secwepemc elder Dr. Mary Thomas. Storytelling for the Shuswap people traditionally brings entertainment to families during long winter nights, and it was fitting to have Kenthen entertain our students on a cold Friday afternoon. Kenthen told our students about how a bear and a coyote found out how to create a balance between night and day, as a way to keep history alive, tell important lessons, and share amusing anecdotes about all the creatures found on this land, all while keeping our students spellbound.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/73323558-a361-5661-9e34-578cf2f11ca7" alt="tdsqmigm.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/666d89e1-fa43-5619-abd7-0f8dbe71b66a" alt="o5l8jar9.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Rattle Making with Cecil
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cecil Sheena came to Skyline to offer his wisdom on a variety of topics. Cecil also assisted the youth in creating rattles. All of the youth were engaged and excited to hear that Cecil would be returning to Skyline in the new year. So much knowledge was shared.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8ca4d4e9-02bf-57bc-9a4c-065c7e9b9a17" alt="qztpxgqx.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/22f75ccd-1165-5d7c-a228-0be68861aecb" alt="zjdss4ql.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Mastery Through Patience
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our amazing Ms. Jack continues the journey of teaching our students about drumming and Indigenous games. Here we see students drumming along as they play lahal. Students are learning to play cooperatively, encourage their classmates, and to win and lose with grace. Mastery of the game is tricky, and Ms. Jack is working with students to practice patience with themselves as they work towards mastery.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0a401077-e9ba-5f41-94ec-561887a2e0a3" alt="1dlcbwry.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Building Peer Relationships
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Using the resources provided by our Indigenous Education Department, students at Cataline have been working in small cross-grade groups, building community and fostering peer relationships. Led by Cataline ISW, Jennifer Bauerochse, students are using this time to reflect, connect, and build relationships, creating a sense of purpose and belonging.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3d602fd0-0044-5bf4-8047-476871fa00b7" alt="b9tojzp9.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8e91aca5-1dfa-541e-8d4c-5c0dd62544ac" alt="dr9ik29s.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
The Art of Storytelling
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yesterday we were fortunate to have a presentation from Mr. Kenthen Thomas. As a First Nations performer, Kenthen captivates audiences with his fascinating retellings of legends of the Secwepemc, his family land for more than 10,000 years. This is where his late grandmother, respected and even legendary Secwepemc elder, the late Dr. Mary Thomas, taught him the traditional art of storytelling. Storytelling for the Shuswap people brought entertainment to the families during long winter nights. It was also a way to keep the history alive, tell important lessons, and share amusing anecdotes about all the creatures found on this land. At the end of yesterday’s presentation, grade 6 student leadership members were able to gift and thank him, and then Ms. Danikka led us all in enthusiastic song. Fantastic!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8e5284b8-53fe-5cff-bf7e-9c9882df0643" alt="wpp4qrmf.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/58cbbac6-dd43-5295-8227-12e456a0c26c" alt="kwzwdhpu.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Story Telling
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile was privileged and honored to host Secwepemc storyteller and performer Kenthen Thomas to our school for the afternoon. Kenthen shared two incredible stories with our students: one about how Bear and Coyote brought forth day and night, and the other about how Coyote lost his name. Both stories shared themes of sharing, respect and acceptance for our students to take away.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bb907939-b3c2-575d-afc0-71e60236b0c1" alt="w4ox4imb.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>
Learning to Respect the Land and Animals when Hunting
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Blaine Grinder from Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) came to talk with ALL of our students today about respectful and Traditional Hunting practices. The students had good questions and Blaine brought some excellent furs for the students to look at. This month we have been focusing on Respect, one of the sacred teachings. Blaine showed the students how to be respectful and treat the animal with respect while hunting.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7c73aa51-4930-5c0b-b200-947ab7a458f7" alt="kwufivbc.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/36cefcc6-3cdd-56ee-b013-30fd769de6a7" alt="mhuac6fq.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Metis Cultural Dance Workshop
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from Tatla Lake and Anahim Lake Schools joined together for a meaningful dance workshop with Métis Bev from Jess Dance. Bev shared her passion for promoting cultural knowledge through dance, inspiring students to embrace their heritage and "Be Proud of Who They Are." Through traditional and contemporary dances, Bev highlighted the importance of the gifts passed down from our Grandfathers and Grandmothers, reminding students that their roots are key to personal success. Thank you, Bev, for helping our youth connect with their culture and identity through dance!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9203383d-91db-5d8a-8add-4db583ee1058" alt="gy49xzcg.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Cataline’s Student of the Week
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, we changed our student of the week program to recognize students in an area of the seven sacred teachings. Each staff member picks a student throughout the year who exemplifies one of the teachings. Students are supported with a gift card from our PAC to the open book!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6251489f-c8f8-54f9-868f-078fb462a2f1" alt="r574a328.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ae16cbe5-dac0-5997-a7f7-12f7d454378e" alt="2chjwxri.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Independent Directed Study Framework
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Outback Storefront
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Honouring learning done with family and in community was the inspiration for Cariboo-Chilcotin School District developing a framework to support learners engage in independent directed studies (IDS). IDS allows students to take ownership of planning and engaging in learning about a particular topic or aspect of a curricular area. They decide how they will share what they learned and are granted credits in the graduation program. It is inspiring to see where students can take their studies!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more, click </span><a href="/page/3983/independent-directed-study-ids" target="_blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/911eae3b-96e5-45ce-918b-31217cee21a3" alt="Independent Directed Study Framework" width="475" height="630" style="width:475px;height:630px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Support Youth in Community
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Supporting youth within community is very important to us. Recently we held a SBT meeting at the beautiful the Williams Lake First Nation office. Sometimes looking outside the box helps the youth to seek a positive and different direction.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/98c2fffc-170a-5e99-8516-949ef90ecc57" alt="go9e5512.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Lahal at Lake City
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Brianna Pope spent at LEAST 120 hours taking courses online as well as on campus at UBC. The courses ranged from exploring multiple barriers facing marginalized people, neuroscience, and integrated medicine. Brianna was an excellent student who showcased her final projects in various courses and eloquently discussed her learning. We couldn't be more proud!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/797f15eb-10ce-470a-8391-df0eed63845e" alt="Lahal at Lake City" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d14408b9-fe68-4479-be1e-f8bce4431771" alt="Lahal at Lake City" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Brianna Pope Presents her Independent Studies Project
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Brianna Pope spent at LEAST 120 hours taking courses online as well as on campus at UBC. The courses ranged from exploring multiple barriers facing marginalized people, neuroscience, and integrated medicine. Brianna was an excellent student who showcased her final projects in various courses and eloquently discussed her learning. We couldn't be more proud!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/43c3974a-fcb2-4f69-9e00-1c3e68c311a0" alt="Brianna Pope Presents her Independent Studies Project" width="641" height="480" style="width:641px;height:480px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Students Learn How to Make Salve
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 12 students in Ms. Buafo's English class spent time on the medicine trail at Williams Lake First Nation. They then returned to class to learn from Freda Alphonse, Bonnie Robinson, and Karen Grant. Each of the students prepared their own medicinal salve using the plants they collected as well as bear grease, lard, and pitch medicine.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b7c7a07e-baa8-5108-a423-ff369708ce6b" alt="a31j89ru.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3be99342-b3a0-57f7-8bc2-156a809b249c" alt="mwfrgvbr.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Respect
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Along with our students learning about the month of November and what it means to move into underground houses, we as a school, this month, are learning about Respect! The Bison carries the gift of respect.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5aa14138-32e8-57c7-bfb4-c733e84e3c88" alt="2oi4cuam.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Learning About Plants
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned about invasive and native plants in our local environment.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/122a074e-3e03-4aa0-8724-d30a9296e9ff" alt="Learning About Plants" width="526" height="701" style="width:526px;height:701px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Talking Sticks
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Talking sticks are a traditional tool used by many North American Indigenous peoples during meetings and discussions. They serve as a symbolic means of communication, allowing each speaker to have the floor without interruption. The use of a talking stick fosters respect, active listening, and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard. This practice reflects the values of community and consensus, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in decision-making processes. By holding the stick, a speaker is granted the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings, promoting a deeper understanding among participants.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Helmer's class worked with our Indigenous Support Worker on creating their own talking sticks to understand and use the practice.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f9107fe7-e3df-53dd-9ba7-a73966f00d6f" alt="uhp4yptv.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7bbf0d3d-4f0b-5f72-933b-1213610de59e" alt="git14t8e.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Horse Lake Kindergarten Class Visits Horse Lake Farm Cooperative
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Horse Lake Kindergarten Class revisited the Horse Lake Farm Cooperative Farm for the second of a number of recurring visits. Murray Casey, a Tsq’escenemc First Nations Elder, welcomed the students to the land by singing and drumming a First Nations welcome song. He then explained the significance of the local garden and how it has traditionally been a part of local Indigenous culture.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The kindergarten students then explored the garden with the farm program leaders and learned about the vegetables grown there. Later, they walked across fields and down to Horse Lake, observing migrating birds, and investigating gopher and badger holes. They were very curious about the badgers and were excited to learn more about them back at school.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7f37e394-e681-5623-b872-5aec1146c6a2" alt="i8f9jtke.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/dbc728ef-41ba-560b-b4ad-08c5a134d26e" alt="l0m7v91z.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
The Beat of the Drum
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout October, Ms. Jack has brought teachings about the drum and songs to all our classes. Students have been introduced to traditional Chilcotin songs and are learning to keep the beat before working with drums.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b3bf46dd-4b70-5711-a2c9-d6bb5a678aa6" alt="5c7nwkeq.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Walking Together at Mile 108 Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Great learning, discussions and activities around sense of belonging and how we are all connected.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2cd6df7e-f041-5a30-a76b-fb845bf24f81" alt="xpro5otd.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Learning How to Smudge with Elder Patrick Lulua
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Patrick Lulua spent an afternoon with Naghtaneqed students teaching them the plants used for smudging, the history, storytelling and how to smudge. Patrick ended the session with smudging students and staff.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/58189e2c-e9b9-525d-83f2-9909a8f11ccd" alt="zdcajw3n.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5528e3fd-f396-5701-8402-b03973469418" alt="jwfr9khl.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Bannock Making
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned how to make bannock and shared it with others.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a25db0b4-4bcb-516e-9adc-1947ea22ffe7" alt="1o20k9dt.png" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Grade 8 Welcome at PSO!
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sharmaine Grimes and Angel Smith, Indigenous Support Workers at PSO hosted a welcome event for grade 8 Indigenous students. Students participated in icebreaker games, made a medicine bag and spend some time learning about the importance of a medicine bag. This awesome opportunity gave students a chance to get connected with each other and staff in the school's Indigenous education space. We are looking forward to a great year!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2c3a7c5a-fc81-50e2-8100-18a58a43c273" alt="qx3g1atu.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/636c68e7-16cf-5426-a97f-7a87be8f0fdb" alt="d1uc42v5.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Indigenous Boot Camp Structural Firefighting
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from Lake City Secondary and area learned everything from first aid to structural firefighting in this two-day session hosted by First Nations' Emergency Services. Special thanks to Kelvin Parent and the Williams Lake Fire Department as well.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/77fde44c-3bfb-5b69-a545-e9d5b6d90b5f" alt="yaupglba.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Farwell Canyon and Flats
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 5 students at 150 Mile went on a planned trip to Farwall Canyon and Flats learn about geography, indigenous history as well as traditional plants used in harvesting and the methods used to harvest and store.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d0af8764-ee5f-5368-8baa-7f98d773513c" alt="bgpl1iir.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
First Nation Student Transportation Fund
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through our joint plans we were approved for $45197.00 for extracurricular support and $92918.00 for To and From Support. The extracurricular funds are generated by looking at our 1701 numbers and multiplying by $31.54. This is used to support all parental travel expense transporting their child to extracurriculars. This could be teams, clubs, tutoring and anything outside of regular curriculum. We are advertising this through Education Coordinators and emails to all parents. These funds only support on-reserve students in school related events. The $92918.00 breaks down to parental assistance, bands running extra transportation to allow some scheduling flexibility, transition events, and an extended bus run. All of these dollars were jointly applied for in collaboration with the bands and the needs of their students. Considerations were any transportation issue that was getting in the way of a child experiencing academic success.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8771c80c-29bb-55d1-a2c4-8172f785dade" alt="9n14y7a8.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cd13e411-93a7-58f1-b5b5-2395cccf0938" alt="n55zhglh.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Annual Cultural Calendars
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we move forward in a good way it is important that schools recognize the importance of infusing Indigenous ways of knowing and doing into the regular curriculum and making sure that these teachings are happening throughout the year. Schools have constructed annual cultural plans that follow the seasonal rounds and activities of local communities. Many schools are also connecting their teachings to the Circle of Courage.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/349cdc42-f3c8-50ed-9457-c81e6213fb43" alt="4x9osyuj.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Tsilhqot’in Sweat Ceremony
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On the September 23 Pro-D Day, Bruce Baptiste and Cordell Archie facilitated a Tsilhqot’in sweat ceremony for district staff. Staff experienced both the ceremony teachings of a sweat and a smudge. Many great teachings were passed along. Further opportunities for other staff and students will be offered.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5caa9085-34ad-52a1-928e-84c23441d05f" alt="bht5ag9p.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/48f078e9-6ef2-580b-8493-51f1590ee2d2" alt="d4eliwvd.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Snootli Creek Regional Park - Big Cedars Trail
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our school trip to Snootli Creek Park in Bella Coola was centered around Indigenous learning, with a focus on culturally modified trees and edible and medicinal plants. The students learned about the unique methods the Nuxalk people used to modify trees for practical and cultural purposes, such as harvesting bark for clothing and other materials without harming the tree. They also explored the surrounding forest and learned how different plants have been traditionally used for food and medicine. This learning experience deepened the students’ understanding of the land and its resources, highlighting the sustainable practices passed down through generations of Indigenous communities.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/df7f1603-f74a-5834-84d9-25394de82f4a" alt="qclsd829-1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8db31d1c-143c-5950-ae1e-aae7d46287d7" alt="9m64dtrj-1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Lake City Secondary Students Help Out on Orange Shirt Day at WLFN Arbour
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City Secondary students help out on Orange Shirt Day at the Williams Lake First Nation Arbour.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bbed380c-b4a3-53b0-a45e-56aad32aa666" alt="h84r1cb3.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a9724e27-3d77-50af-b3a1-140120e09e17" alt="b3jhc7cj.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Truth and Reconciliation Week at Columneetza
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At Columneetza, we organized a series of events to demonstrate our support for and commitment to reconciliation with First Nations communities. Both students and staff actively participated in these events.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/a8594065-bfb9-57be-909e-5b2d7217d96c" alt="Slide1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
District Leadership Learning About
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Outback Storefront
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The district leadership team of PVP, managers, and senior staff was honoured to have our own Dancing Water Sandy lead learning for us about First Nations traditional knowledge and use of plants. We mixed teas and made smudge candles and salve.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/238405a4-426a-5d51-9e35-f4ee97d4a65d" alt="7y0ldt9e.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Walking Together on Orange Shirt Day
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we learn to walk together, we do so when we cultivate understanding, compassion, and connection. Students of 100 Mile Elementary were able to attend pow wows at both Tsq'escen and T’exelcemc for a first-hand expereience of the healing power and beauty of dance and drum. Primary students that stayed on site created their own orange shirts and statements about how they will move forward as people seeking to make reconciliation reality with statements such as, "I will be kind," "I will try to understand others," and "I will be loving." Intermediate students came together in an assembly to discuss how a legacy of dishonesty and hurt was created upon the first treaties in their misleading and taking advantage of indigenous peoples, and how cultural genocide has had tremendously hurtful and lasting impacts. As a whole school, we then walked together while Mrs. Dixon offered a smudge for any and all members of our school community.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/93d1a32e-0197-51d7-949f-0809cc79a3b3" alt="Image%20(1).jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5f857bac-0423-5b95-b474-1a0002918b54" alt="Image.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Salmon Day
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On September 26th we celebrated the month of the Humpback Salmon. We were gifted teachings from Martin Kruus from Scout Island, Freda Alphonse from SD27, and Dannika Murphy, Kyleen Toyne, and William Lulua from Williams Lake First Nation. Students learned about the Salmon Life Cycle, participated in processing and smoking a salmon, did Salmon art, and wrote a song about the Salmon.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4c31535d-1dd3-59ae-9905-0411b9fb9918" alt="rhu73eya.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/51631837-b830-5a84-b40d-df552aab532e" alt="d3ftzub8.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Integrating Smudging Into What We Do
Marie Sharpe Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 4/5 teacher Ms. Page has dedicated her time here at Marie Sharpe sharing about her Metis Culture, and learning more about our local Indigenous Culture. Here we see one of the smudges she has led this year.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fddb8722-1145-555f-8c08-622621a32aaa" alt="9zvfbd8m.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/93a6b833-8e57-5ac9-8238-4f9471e67c1a" alt="3sm5vqul-1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day
Mountview Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mountview hosted a morning assembly that focussed on remembering the legacy of the residential schools, equity and empathy, and how history should never repeat itself. The attached photos are from that assembly. Students then went back to classes and did various activities with art and writing that focussed on their thoughts about acts of reconciliation that they can do as kids. Ideas like connecting with the land, spending time with elders, and including everyone in their circles emerged. It was a wonderful day.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b7be2c51-1a07-52d8-8cb8-81456a092988" alt="6s1kw8lu.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
PSO Orange Shirt Day Assembly
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PSO students were grateful to hear from two residential school survivors during a school wide assembly to recognize Truth and Reconciliation day at PSO—two survivors from Tsq̓éscen̓ spoke to students about their experiences in residential school and as young adults grappling with the experiences afterwards. It was particularly special because Atoinette Archie and Elsie Archie were speaking to a crowed that included their grandchildren who are staff at our school and great grandchildren who are now students at our school. It was moving to see students come up to Toni and Elsie after the assembly and thank them for their time and story.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/41972f3f-e8fc-5b0d-a36d-f971c1d390d5" alt="8j7pt15c.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Remembering Our Children Exhibit
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Classes attended the 'Remembering Our Children' photo exhibit hosted by Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) and Orange Shirt Society. Chris, research assistant from WLFN St. Joseph's Mission, explained the photos and students had the opportunity to reflect upon what they had seen.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0e1c53ce-ad53-5f70-810b-49f37cfa0901" alt="kb4dshzo.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Lahal and Orange Shirt Day
Lake City Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned how to play Lahal in the afternoon of Orange Shirt Day.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a098d3ab-b914-5027-a631-319e8d560031" alt="5o4bfwbf-1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b4bb7730-92c9-5100-8793-81b3e6a2d983" alt="qkk219vn.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Truth and Reconciliation
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Listening and learning.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/64583614-ceeb-5774-823a-1a73e00c68c2" alt="fm6d53qs.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Smudging and Blessing our Entrance
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We moved our Elder posters to a permanent location in the entrance of Chilcotin Road Elementary. To honour the new location we blessed it with drumming and smudging. Thank you to Linda Jack for helping to organize this event.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">100 students from Nesika Elementary School had the immense privilege to visit the WLFN Pow wow arbor for a gathering of well over 500 students and colleagues from SD27. They took two buses and were there for half the day. Students had the opportunity to listen to speeches and bear witness to survivors' accounts. Local community agencies were well represented and students were even gifted with food and items to take home. Thank you Orange Shirt Society, SD27, WLFN and all who helped put together this meaningful event.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/25beaf11-042d-4784-907b-b7fe117d00ca" alt="Orange Shirt day 3" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/867af752-d012-4bcf-acf7-6f81a109f69f" alt="Orange Shirt day 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day at Likely School
Likely Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Likely staff and students learn about Truth and Reconciliation. </span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7f38dd1e-6741-5f15-96de-7dd9560103d0" alt="6wsegskb.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Indigenous Plant Cultural Mapping
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Horse Lake Elementary's grade 7 class travelled to the north shore of Horse Lake to record where a variety of Indigenous plants were located and respectfully harvest some of the plants, under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Pugh. After harvest, some of the plants will be used for gifts for visiting elders and knowledge keepers and other plants will be re-seeded into our Indigenous Plant Garden located behind our classroom. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Indigenous Plant Garden was created in 2022 as part of a NOIIE funded project with the help of Secwepemc elder Grace Archie and Knowledge Keeper Joe Archie who guided us to discover plants around our school. This year's field trip will continue the legacy and keep the garden growing. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students will continue to work with the garden in May-June when we will be transplanting smaller plants into the garden as well. Also, a cultural map of the plants we observed will be created to show others where various plants used for ceremony, food, technology, and medicine are found in our area.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/24b565bb-16b1-5e3a-8bac-b49ccde91681" alt="p61czvnf.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/32f7a761-fbee-5d28-bf5d-109385cba1ad" alt="0o7y58bt.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day Parade
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The students of Lac La Hache Elementary School participated in an Orange Shirt Day parade to help bring awareness to the the community of the upcoming Truth and Reconciliation day. </span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8bcf0540-fe4f-56c8-89d1-87b21b174a28" alt="xvgav5lh.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Truth and Reconciliation Medicine Plants Walk with Elders
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Naghtaneqed students and elders travelled to 4500 Road in Nemiah Valley to pick Labrador leaves and Rose hip berries. We will be making Labrador tea, and Rosehip jelly Tuesday and Wednesday.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/192ecfee-c0e8-5a5a-baf8-9eea12443645" alt="9zcrinov.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2d23e370-d35a-5a30-baa5-08727e12a851" alt="0bknl24h.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Drumming Preparation
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With the knowledge gained from Mrs. Charley and Mr. Favelle, Ms. Bonnell has begun this year teaching (and reviewing) her grade 4/5 class traditional drumming in preparation for morning walks at Cataline Elementary. Using the drum making kits funded by FNEC and then crafted by the grade 6 students of last year, this year’s students are able to participate fully in weekly drumming and singing both during their Language and Culture time, as well as with their classroom teachers.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/12668458-9831-5184-a533-d134f4d0b60e" alt="lq2icx0e.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
School-Wide Bannock
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With the guidance of our guest, Sonya Charley, and the support of Cataline’s Indigenous Support Worker, Jennifer Bauerochse, students had the opportunity to make traditional Bannock during Mrs. Charley’s Language and Culture class. Various classes were able to follow the direction of Mrs. Charley, getting their hands in the dough, to create enough Bannock for the whole school to enjoy! </span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9a09c550-5e2c-5af9-bf26-be7319751217" alt="7z2zor5o.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/25093847-fdc9-5629-abf6-21446b613aaf" alt="sg33hfsz.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Smoking Salmon
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Under the direction of Cataline’s ISW, Jennifer Bauerochse and Language and Culture teacher, Mrs. Charley, Cataline students learned about the traditional methods of cleaning, preparing and smoking salmon. Although, the salmon was smoked in a less than traditional format, the students were able to use this salmon to connect the importance of this animal to Indigenous cultures, as well as learning the traditional ways of curing and drying the meat in preparation for winter storage. It tasted delicious, too. </span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4293bc5b-9491-5d8b-ad7f-bdd83d825fba" alt="r1ta17kg.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Engaging with Indigenous Authors
Cataline Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cataline elementary students were treated to virtual Indigenous author readings during National Truth and Reconciliation week. Having registered for various events, Cataline students were able to sit comfortably within their classrooms or gymnasium and listen virtually to authors, such as Phyllis Webstad and Courtney Defriend, read their own stories, getting a firsthand description of what inspired the writing, the message, and the importance of the book. </span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/dc31c370-ebd4-5aaf-b166-a9384d5b5b2d" alt="clsiyyff.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/14b57e2a-52a9-57b9-8bcb-c8f0cee69b8e" alt="q1xrdkak.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
PSO's Annual Sage Picking Trip
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City Secondary students help out on Orange Shirt Day at the Williams Lake First Nation Arbour.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/139e18af-5c5b-4ae2-affb-caca5d5681aa" alt="PSO Annual Sage Picking Trip" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a30b7ac6-4494-4673-81f0-57d851e7c057" alt="PSO Annual Sage Picking Trip" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Every Child Matters at Anahim Lake School
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We celebrated Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day this whole month. Younger children made paper chains out of orange paper with handwritten mantras for those they loved. Older students made calzone for every child to take home this past Food Friday and Perogies two weeks previously. We took our beautiful, student-made stand up paddleboards to launch at a local lake but ended up playing on the beach instead. It turns out that it's easy for non-locals to get lost on roads leading to our community. We will shoot for another launch in the spring. All was not lost as our Denisiqi friends made a fire for us all to share in its warmth.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fb8216d8-5d92-55c5-ae36-f8e734ffc200" alt="eqy51grb.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ae6a51a0-f2d0-5b24-adb8-23b35ff42b6f" alt="mno5knmo.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Grade 7 Students Lead Horse Lake Orange Shirt Day Assembly
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Horse Lake Elementary grade 7 students, under the guidance of their teacher, Lisa Pugh, organized and presented our school's Orange Shirt Day Assembly. They began the ceremony with a Territorial Acknowledgement that they had authored, then introduced a video of Phyllis Webstad describing the origins of Orange Shirt Day. This was followed by a "What Is Truth and Reconciliation" video which explained the reason for the day being observed across the country. The assembly concluded with a video of the Women's Warrior Song to honor survivors by Elder Martina Pierre of the Lil'Wat Nation. The grade 7 students drummed and sang along with the song, while all the students circled the perimeter of the gym and did the Friendship Dance.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/0f68ac3f-cfd6-5be8-b1f1-eace88b3f747" alt="2af23u6h.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Learning about Salmon
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Horsefly and Big Lake kids learned about the salmon and the forest while exploring the Horsefly River.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ef9016e9-0bfc-581a-a618-a2ca906592ec" alt="zp53s5nz.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day author visit with Courtney Defriend!
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Courtney read her book "If Instead of a Person" and lead us in a brief, child-friendly discussion on the themes of Orange Shirt Day and Truth & Reconciliation. "If Instead of a Person," depicts traditional teachings on our connection and similarities to Mother Earth. In the past, Residential Schools did not allow such teachings to be shared with our children. Today, this book contributes to many ways to reintroduce Indigenous principles to children and families and encourages us all to be agents of change.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/722615e9-2f4e-5501-884f-6ff8ba33d87f" alt="w7l579sp.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/11d2bde5-124b-5c00-98a6-5dfed5c7a65b" alt="8s45w7ml.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day at Forest Grove
Forest Grove Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students listened and learned in a good way form Trish Meraw from Canim Lake about the history and experiences in residential schools. The school has created orange shirt day hearts for our school ground as a reminder or the importance of this day.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a5e9affc-58b2-5809-aeb4-b153b08c6c84" alt="7zwf41ch.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fdd2f3de-11af-54d0-8e7a-c3635cd6df49" alt="cty8e8dh.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Start of Year Smudge
150 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile Elementary was excited to have Val West attend our school to provide a start of school year smudge. Val took the time to explain what the significance of a smudge was and what all the parts of the tools represented. Val walked around the students and staff allowing them to smell the smudge smoke and see the tools and then offered individual smudges to any students and staff that requested.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b75f24cc-c01b-594f-b110-dbb58b082763" alt="z42vjw3x.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b68ee6e7-02b6-5763-9c92-34e8a32e92c2" alt="9pywfdi9.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Collecting Rocks
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At Alexis Creek Elementary /Jr /Sec School, we decided to embark on a special project for recognizing Orange Shirt Day, and Truth and Reconciliation. For our project, we needed to collect river rocks. We found a wonderful spot at the bridge near Yunesit'in, where the Chilcotin River gifts us with many beautiful shaped river stones and rocks. We spent part of our morning collecting river rocks. We began by saying thanks to the rocks for letting us move them to our school where we can paint them and honor them in our project. We all worked together to gather those perfect rocks. The rain didn't bother us a bit.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/eaa516c5-0773-5a23-b02e-e26eb72e8874" alt="yfccknfq.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/492b7f0e-f365-5534-a688-9fe6ba2a7d3e" alt="t3q44vyr.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Smudging
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. McCartney and Ms. Billyboy, both part of the Cultural Committee volunteered to smudge at the front entrance of Columneetza to start off the week of Sept. 24th-27th & Sept. 30th honouring Truth and Reconciliation. </span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/07a5a6fa-33e9-5f3e-aa7f-ca83bfd97fd1" alt="o8l1qpyz.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Primary Students Attend Healing For Our Children Traditional Pow Wow
Horse Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Tsq'escen First Nation at Canim Lake invited our grade one and two students to the Healing For Our Children Traditional Pow Wow to experience the event. Our students were fascinated with the dancing and the regalia, and then jumped at the opportunity to join the dancing. The Pow Wow featured one of our own students, Chloe Pellerin, in full regalia dancing with her classmates.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fed61400-66df-52ba-b111-0c55a1d3496c" alt="quyw9gxk.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/070b41b4-8e94-5ce2-a333-62e5a7c7e397" alt="8q4fjn8p.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Sqleten (salmon) and Trout at Nesika
Nesika Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Danikka Murphy shared some beautiful salmon and trout with our students last week. Having spent the weekend cleaning and preparing fish for her community, she spoke with the students about the gratitude she feels for the fish who give their lives to nourish ours. Students learned how to tell the difference between male and female salmon and noticed the similarities and differences between the salmon and the trout. Danikka finished off the learning with a brainstorm of ways that we might prepare the fish: smoked, candied, canned, BBQ and fish head soup were all ideas shared by the students.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fe2b268c-3a78-55e6-970a-d7f4c533dfbb" alt="sqleten%20(salmon)%20and%20trout_heather%20mckinnon.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Walking Together - Equine Assisted Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our school recently hosted an enriching event focused on Indigenous Learning, inspired by the book "Walking Together.". The day featured an equine-assisted learning experience, where students engaged with horses to build awareness and understanding. Working collaboratively, the students in one activity practiced matching their steps to the horses' movements, emphasizing the importance of connection, respect, and mindfulness—key values highlighted in Indigenous teachings.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/143b66cd-d282-50b5-a5b5-e5549ab9d4d9" alt="bxzr6ohr.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e0a44415-b764-55e7-ab52-ebdc378e9ecf" alt="dchyhzb8.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Opening Day
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lac La Hache elementary school greatly appreciated the Canim Lake Knowledge Keepers getting our school year off to a great start through some indigenous cultural practices such as smudging and drumming. </span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4212c738-0a5b-5348-a956-29e97f6fe4d1" alt="jay43719.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Canim Lake Pow Wow
Lac La Hache Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lac La Hache students and staff were very appreciative and honoured to participate and enjoy the Canim Lake Pow Wow focused on educating the different types of indigenous dance</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/48ae8cac-baf9-5dd9-93f9-5c4b1dcfe2b2" alt="upfk3xqt.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8b06e3d1-a993-5a1e-b6c9-d4ad57676601" alt="fjbhaqti.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Gathering and incorporating “Braiding SWEETGRASS”
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Youth went out to gather vegetables to prepare for Skyline Welcoming feast.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e5279f8d-b0e4-5fa8-ba29-d6f05b48e2cd" alt="04ks29bl.png" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/de500c57-5be9-5f05-98f6-01c801bc2ec5" alt="tzz7inop.png" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Gathering and Honoring
Skyline Alternate
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The afternoon was spent at the Denisiqi Gathering. One youth’s quote of the day, “We played in the park, we had fun and I felt like a child.”</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/712b8476-638e-53a5-b139-78f0acdc62bb" alt="1iryzyrd.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>