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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May
25
Wed
Annual SD58 Student Powwow @ Diamond Vale School
May 25 all day
Jun
9
Thu
First Nations Grad @ Civic Center
Jun 9 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Each grad can invite up to 7 guests to make their own table of 8.
If there are additional tables left after all eligible grads have rsvp’d with the First Nation Support workers at MSS, grads may request additional seats.

Jun
10
Fri
Aboriginal Student Voice meeting @ Scool Board Office
Jun 10 @ 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

the group will meet to discuss old and new business.

Sep
21
Wed
Youth Voice Planning Meeting @ Merritt Secondary School
Sep 21 all day
Sep
29
Thu
SD #58 Merritt Welcome Dinner @ Nicola Valley Instutue Of Technology
Sep 29 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Oct
5
Wed
Youth Voice Planning Meeting @ Merritt Secondary School
Oct 5 all day
Oct
6
Thu
SD #58 Princeton Welcome Dinner @ Princeton Secondary School
Oct 6 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oct
18
Tue
SD #58 Traditional Games – Grade 7 Students @ Merritt Central School
Oct 18 all day
Oct
27
Thu
First Nations Parent Gathering @ Merritt Central School
Oct 27 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Nov
7
Mon
Culture Camp #1 – Nooaitch Band @ Nooaitch Indian Band
Nov 7 all day