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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Feb
8
Mon
BC Family Day (Stat Holiday)
Feb 8 all day
Feb
10
Wed
SOAR Indspire Youth Conference (MSS) @ Westin Bayshore
Feb 10 – Feb 12 all day

MSS First Nation Support workers will be taking interested students to Vancouver to attend the annual Indspire Youth Conference. The group will depart MSS Wednesday afterschool and check into the hotel. Conference starts 8:30am.

Feb
12
Fri
Aboriginal Youth Voice @ Merritt Board Office (Large Meeting Room)
Feb 12 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Youth Voices - Coldwater Culture Camp

Youth Voices – Coldwater Culture Camp

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Youth Voices – Cake Decorating / Fondant

Aboriginal Student Voice meeting @ Scool Board Office
Feb 12 @ 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

the group will meet to discuss old and new business.

Feb
15
Mon
Culture Camp @ Lower Nicola Band Office
Feb 15 @ 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Feb
19
Fri
Pro D day
Feb 19 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Feb
24
Wed
School District 58 Day of Drumming @ Merritt Civic Center
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Join us for a day of Drumming, Singing a Traditional dance Participants from each school will be participating in this event.

Mar
2
Wed
Bitter Root Harvesting Fieldtrip
Mar 2 all day
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Merritt Central students learn how to recognize and harvest bitter root.

Silver Willow Harvesting
Mar 2 @ 7:52 pm – 8:52 pm
Mar
11
Fri
Aboriginal Student Voice meeting @ Scool Board Office
Mar 11 @ 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

the group will meet to discuss old and new business.