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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Mar
31
Tue
First Nations Student Hand Drumming & Awakening of Canoes Celebration @ Voght Park
Mar 31 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Apr
15
Wed
Honoring our Elders @ Nicola Canford Elementary
Apr 15 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
May
4
Mon
Culture Camp #2-Land Based Learning @ TBD
May 4 all day
Sep
24
Thu
Merritt Welcome Dinner & Social @ Merritt Secondary School, Multi Purpose Room
Sep 24 @ 5:30 pm

Due to SD#58 safety protocols for COVID 19 this event is canceled until further notice.

Sep
30
Wed
Orange Shirt Day
Sep 30 all day

https://medicinewheel.education/pages/live?fbclid=IwAR0gvhGp2Tj5tOR2jtgQXhVzl6YHYWnTZalo_093OVIf7VCyskTGnPa4zQU

https://mailchi.mp/2a1993b3de07/every-child-matters-reconciliation-through-education-virtual-event-on-orange-shirt-day-september-30?e=726d0be09c

https://mailchi.mp/canadashistory/teaching-every-child-matters-1391142?e=5662c1818e

https://www.orangeshirtday.org/uploads/7/9/8/7/79871818/orangeshirtday_14.pdf

Oct
1
Thu
Princeton Welcome Dinner & Social @ Princeton, BC
Oct 1 @ 5:30 pm

Due to SD#58 safety protocols for COVID 19 this event is canceled until further notice.

Oct
8
Thu
Culture Camp #1 – Lower Nicola Band
Oct 8 @ 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Due to SD#58 safety protocols for COVID 19 this event is canceled until further notice.

Oct
12
Mon
Thanksgiving Day
Oct 12 all day
Oct
23
Fri
Pro-D Day
Oct 23 all day
Dec
21
Mon
Winter Break
Dec 21 2020 @ 8:30 am – Jan 3 2021 @ 11:45 pm