Aboriginal Education in the Nicola-Similkameen Valleys

Land Acknowledgment

We would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional ancestral, unceded, territory of the Nłaʔka'pmxux Nation and Syilx Nation.

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Acknowledging the territory is performed at any significant event such as school assemblies, awards, meetings, presentations, graduation, celebrations in Aboriginal communities are some examples. Acknowledging the territory is a way of honouring and showing respect for a group of people who have been living and working on this land from times before colonization. A "Welcome" to the territory is only offered by the First Nations people who are traditionally from the territory. Visitors, including everyone who is not a member of the traditional First Nation, would "acknowledge" the territory.

Who Are We?

School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen) is proud to serve students from our six local Bands, the Métis Nation and from Indigenous communities outside of our district. The Coldwater Band, Lower Nicola Band, Nooaitch Band, Shackan Band, Upper Nicola Band, Upper Similkameen Band, the Métis and School District #58 are mutually committed to the success and best education possible for all Indigenous Students.  Improving the area of Indigenous Education is a focus of our present work in the Nicola-Similkameen and we are committed to listening and working collaboratively with the First Nations and Métis community to do so. The School District No. 58 Aboriginal Education Program provides services to students of Indigenous Ancestry to enrich their school experience. A rich cultural component is provided to approximately 40% of our students who report Indigenous ancestry, Our Indigenous​ Education Enhancement Agreement provides the goals, strategies and structures as a framework for the success of our students. As outlined in our Local Education agreement, some examples are; “To ensure that they are confident in their self-identity, their families, their communities and traditional values, languages and cultures; To give them the skills they need to thrive in contemporary society, including 21st-century technological skills; To prepare them to access any opportunities they choose for higher learning, employment and life choices.”

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Nov
13
Fri
Roc Your Mocs @ Merritt Secondary School
Nov 13 all day

Roc Your Mocs at MSS and join us for Bannock Bites at lunch!

Nov
18
Wed
MSS Girls Group @ House of Honour
Nov 18 @ 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

The MSS Girls Group is hosted by Aboriginal Education, led by First Nation Support workers at MSS.

Our guest this week is Marlena Anderson, SD#58 Nicola Valley role model and local fancy dancer in Merritt.

Each week, the group will do a ‘check in’, and share a light lunch, followed by a presentation or activity and Q&A session with our guest.

Nov
19
Thu
Field Trip to Lytton @ Meet at MSS
Nov 19 all day

Culture Class 8 and Language Class 10,11,12 will be going on a Field trip to Lytton to learn about creation stories.

Dec
4
Fri
Nɬeʔkepmx elders meeting @ Lytton Memorial Hall
Dec 4 all day
Dec
7
Mon
Culture Camp @ House of Honour
Dec 7 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Dec
10
Thu
Coldwater Youth Culture Camp – “Youth Voices” @ Coldwater School
Dec 10 @ 11:45 am – 2:45 pm
Dec
16
Wed
Conayt Friendship Society Community Christmas Dinner @ Merritt Civic Center
Dec 16 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dec
18
Fri
Last Day of School before Winter Break @ MSS
Dec 18 all day
Jan
15
Fri
Aboriginal Youth Voice @ Merritt Board Office (Large Meeting Room)
Jan 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Jan
21
Thu
Honouring Our Elders – Merritt Bench Elementary
Jan 21 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm

Save the Date…Details to be announced!

Elders gathering poster