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.

.

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.”

SD 58 Twitter



May
23
Thu
Culture Camp #2- Metis Culture & Language @ TBA
May 23 all day

The local Metis Association will be hosting a learning day for SD58 staff.

*Please note the date and location is TBA.

May
30
Thu
Language and Culture Camp @ Monck Park
May 30 @ 9:30 am – 9:45 am
Jun
21
Fri
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Jun 21 all day
Sep
5
Thu
National Indigenous Day
Sep 5 all day
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Sep 5 all day
Oct
4
Fri
Coldwater Culture Camp @ Pit House, Coldwater School
Oct 4 all day
Oct
10
Thu
Culture Camp #1 – Coldwater @ Coldwater Indian Band
Oct 10 @ 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Nov
28
Thu
FNESC @ Westin, Bayshore
Nov 28 @ 2:00 pm – Nov 30 @ 3:00 pm
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