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
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
May
2
Thu
Elders Gathering-Cancelled @ Nicola Canford Elementary School
May 2 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Event cancelled this year and will be rescheduled for the 2019/20 School year.

May
3
Fri
Merritt Bench Elementary School – Culture Camp @ Nooaitch Indian Band
May 3 all day
May
9
Thu
Grade Nine Aboriginal Tech Day @ Glimpse Lake
May 9 all day
May
16
Thu
INDIGENOUS TEK DAY – TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE “LAND BASED LEARNING’ – GRADE 9 STUDENTS @ NOOAITCH INDIAN BAND
May 16 all day
May
22
Wed
8th Annual Student Powwow @ LNIB Arbor
May 22 all day

Dancers please register with Christine Anderson @ 1-250-378-2514 or

Email: canderson@365.sd58.bc.ca