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
28
Wed
Shortened Day – All Schools for Parent/teacher interviews
Nov 28 @ 2:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Schools close 1 hour early each day

Dec
21
Fri
Last Day for Winter Break
Dec 21 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Last Day before Winter Break

Dec
24
Mon
Winter Break
Dec 24 2018 @ 8:30 am – Jan 4 2019 @ 8:30 am

Winter Break

Jan
7
Mon
Schools re-open after the break
Jan 7 @ 8:30 am – 8:30 am
Jan
17
Thu
Culture Camp Study Session #1 January 17th, 2019 House of Honour 3:30-6pm @ House of Honour, rear of MSS on Chapman Street.
Jan 17 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm

RSVP to Crystal McMaster at cmcmaster@365.sd58.bc.ca or call 250-378-2230

Jan
25
Fri
Student Hand Drumming Celebration @ Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Jan 25 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Mar
14
Thu
Awakening of the Canoes @ House of Honour, MSS
Mar 14 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Mar
16
Sat
Spring Break
Mar 16 – Mar 31 all day
Apr
25
Thu
Culture Camp Study Session #2 @ House of Honor - Merritt Secondary School
Apr 25 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Apr
29
Mon
MSS Language Classes Field Trip to Vancouver, BC @ Vancouver, BC
Apr 29 @ 10:30 am – May 1 @ 3:00 pm