As district and school leaders came back together following the summer break we spent time re-connecting with each other, the land, and local First Nations culture before attending to the business of start-up.
WLFN Cultural Team led hands-on learning with a sweat ceremony, Secwepemctsin language lessons, salmon canning, and making pine needle baskets. The day finished in circle with drumming and dancing. It was time well-spent to prepare for the important work of the year ahead. Heartfelt gratitude goes out to Danikka Murphy, Val West, Williams Lulua, Cecil Sheena, and Marcella Wynja, affectionately known as Aunty Sally, for sharing these teachings and reminding us how we want learning to be for students – experiential, personal, and meaningful.
This reflects the approach to District Day on September 8 with the entire staff and the way school will start for students beginning on September 9. Schools will be intentional about slowing down to welcome students and staff, foster belonging, and connect to our local land and communities to set us all up for a joyful and productive year.
