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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Jan
15
Fri
Aboriginal Youth Voice @ Merritt Board Office (Large Meeting Room)
Jan 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Jan
21
Thu
Honouring Our Elders – Merritt Bench Elementary
Jan 21 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm

Save the Date…Details to be announced!

Elders gathering poster

Jan
22
Fri
Aboriginal Student Voice meeting @ Scool Board Office
Jan 22 @ 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

the group will meet to discuss old and new business.

Jan
25
Mon
Coldwater Cultural Camp @ Coldwater School
Jan 25 all day
FNSW Mtg. @ School Board Office
Jan 25 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Jan
30
Sat
Woman’s Conference @ Shackan Band Hall
Jan 30 all day

Woman's Conference

Woman’s conference At Shackan Band Hall – open to all women

Feb
6
Sat
Interior Nations Drumming Protocol Meeting @ Merritt Civic Center
Feb 6 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

School District #58 would like to host a ‘Hand Drum Protocol’ meeting Saturday, February 6th, 2016 1:00 pm-6:00pm, in Merritt at the Civic Centre. At this time, we would like to extend an invite to Hand Drummers of the Sylix, Nlaka’pamux, Sewepemc and St’at’imc nations.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the protocols of the songs that are being sung and shared in the schools around Merritt and Princeton, as there have been some concerns expressed about songs that belong to specific families and communities.

School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen) would like to work together towards clarifying the protocols with our friends and relatives about what can be done to rectify this so we can continue to teach our children and future generations our rich culture, language and songs.

Your time is appreciated so we have arranged to provide dinner, coffee, tea and snacks throughout the meeting.

Way? Limlimpt

Kʷukʷstéyp

 

Shelley Oppenheim-Lacerte

District Aboriginal Education Principal

 

Petkwmen

Tim Manuel

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

Phone Pictures & Videos 2015-Jan 2016 582

Youth Voices – Cake Decorating / Fondant