Marie Sharpe Elementary began the first day of school as a community in circle, outside, with a welcome to Secwepemcúĺecw and dancing led by the Williams Lake First Nation Culture Team – Kukwstsétsemc!
Families, district staff, and the RCMP were part of the inclusive and joyful celebration alongside the K-6 students both new and returning. We even had a flock of geese join in. As Principal Heather McKinnon was overheard saying, “but first community and dancing." That is exactly the intention behind the start up activities across schools in Cariboo-Chilcotin School District (CCSD).
Everyone learned about specific powwow dances and joined in. A circle dance allowed every person there to personally greet the other members of the school community.
See the Success Stories on the district and school websites to learn all the ways schools celebrated and welcomed everyone to the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
