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
21
Mon
Victoria Day
May 21 all day
May
23
Wed
Student Powwow
May 23 all day
Jun
21
Thu
National Aboriginal Day/Summer Solstice
Jun 21 all day
Jun
28
Thu
Last day of classes
Jun 28 all day
Sep
27
Thu
SD58 Annual Welcoming Dinner @ Merritt Secondary School
Sep 27 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sep
28
Fri
SD #58 Orange Shirt Day @ School Board Office #58
Sep 28 all day
Oct
4
Thu
Princeton Annual Welcoming Dinner @ Princeton Secondary School
Oct 4 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Oct
12
Fri
Traditional Games @ Diamond Vale Elementary
Oct 12 @ 10:00 am – 1:50 pm
Oct
25
Thu
Parent Gathering @ Merritt Central Elementary
Oct 25 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Nov
8
Thu
Grade 6 Lahal Tournament @ Merritt Bench Elementary
Nov 8 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm