Winter 2018

Aboriginal Education

SHARING STORIES TO S UPPORT OUR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES voice kiʔsuk kyukyit – Good afternoon, Ktunaxa territory xastsxlxalt – Good day, nslxcin from Sinixt territory Weyt-kp – Hello, Secwepemc territory Tawnshi - Hello, Michif (Language of the Metis People)

Nestled in the mountains with still a light frosting of snow, Aboriginal Education is well underway for the 2018-2019 school year. We are moving forward with the Aboriginal Education department goals of improving literacy and numeracy through land based learning, providing opportunities for students to share their individual stories, and working toward Truth before Reconciliation, deepening relationships with the traditional territories our school district operates on and the Metis Nation. Created by the Aboriginal Education staff last year, we looked at the fire within and our daily work with students, families, and communities. This is such an exciting time in education, in history, and in our personal stories – as we all witness Indigenous ways of knowing blossom! What does blossoming look like in SD8? Whether that is through student pride in sharing a pow wow dance, a personal regalia story, a drum song, a new graphic design, entrance to College, or graduating with dignity and identity, or connecting to community teachings, or finding a sense of belonging in school, the faces of SD8 Aboriginal students, their learning, their successes and their dreams and goals are diverse. Yet, we see the goals of our District Enhancement Agreement flourishing through a variety of student successes, as individual as each of those bright faces. The District Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee and Elders’ Council, for the first time this year, welcomed guests from both the Syilx, Okanagan Nation Alliance, as well as guests from Enderby, from the Secwepemc Nation. Sitting alongside, long standing guests from Lower Kootenay Band and the Metis Nation, the council meeting in November was rich with collaboration, introduction, and shared learning. We also invited student voice to this council, which is another shift in a new and positive direction. We look forward to continuing to walk alongside Aboriginal students in SD8, as the seasons change and new dreams emerge. Kukwstsétsemc ~ thank you, Jenna Hopper (Nelson Family of Schools), Gail Higginbottom (Secwe̓ pemc Nation) Danica Weager (Indigenization Coordinator), District Principal, Aboriginal Education Andrea Mann (Mount Sentinel and Brent Kennedy), and Gail Higginbottom (District Principal of Aboriginal Education) 1 Partnerships and stories

Tansi!

Welcome to winter! One of the great things about having our District Aboriginal Education office based out of Trafalgar Middle School is the beautiful views we get of the mountains surrounding Nelson. This morning as I Running into our friends, Leah, Jessica, write this, I am watching the dustings of and Angus (not pictured but there in snow glisten as the morning sun first hits spirit), from Selkirk College! it. It’s sparkling and it’s incredible. Looking forward to playing in this snow!

These past couple months have been full of learning, relationships, new friendships, and teachings. We have had time to strengthen our partnerships with our friends at Selkirk College on the topic of Indigenization. We have also had the chance to meet and get to know some of our incredible Nation partners from the area. It has been a very humbling and exciting time. Thank you to our partners for your teachings, time, and kindness as we embark on this journey!

SD8 staff rockin’ our mocs! I was very lucky to attend the 2018 FNESC conference with a few friends from the district. Many great workshops and many inspiring people. We also had the opportunity to tour North Vancouver School District and learn from Brad Baker, Vancouver School District, and the University of British Columbia. I was lucky enough to meet one of my favorite authors at the conference, Eden Robinson (Monkey Beach and Son of a Trickster). One of the many teachings that has been sticking with me since then is this teaching from Kevin Loring…”Stories are medicine…they allow us to slip into the worlds of others…they create wonder and excitement…they remind us of what is important”. Now it is up to us to use our voice and tell those stories. Oh, by the Reconciliation Pole at UBC way, Eden’s current book recommendations are the Marrow Thieves and Moon of the Crusted Snow.

One of the main highlights of the past few months has been getting to know our amazing students and staff around the district. From Meadow Creek, to Slocan, Drumming with students at Jewett Elementary to Creston, to Salmo, and everywhere in between – we have incredible students and staff. Thanks for welcoming me to your schools and for learning with me!

Warm wishes, Danica Weager (Peguis Nation), District Indigenization Learning dance steps from students at Authors panel at the 2018 FNESC Conference! Erickson Elementary Coordinator 2 Canyon Lister Super Stars! Submitted by Laurel Ewashen of Canyon Lister Elementary

Our Be the Change students from CLES, had the amazing opportunity to attend We Day in Vancouver this November 22! As a celebration of their efforts during the past six years which included raising money to build a well in Kenya, purchase bricks to build a school in Ethiopia, raise local awareness about the importance of water, pollution, invasive plants and participating in a community building spaghetti dinner fundraiser, students were given the privilege of reserved seats and a backstage pass to meet the some of the amazing presenters. One individual they visited with was Spencer West. Spencer lost his legs as a young child and has met and conquered so many challenges in his life inspiring our students to be who they are, to try their best, to stand up for what you believe in! The day began with the acknowledgement of the traditional territories as the Chief welcomed the audience to their Salish territory saying it is everyone's land to become connected to, to take care of and protect. Several presenters spoke of their First Nation's ancestry; all were role models for our students that heard about the good, the challenging and the journey that we must all take in our lives as we learn who we are and strive to be who we want to be! And there is more!!

Scare the Hunger efforts collected 390 non- perishable food items that were then donated to our local Gleaners food bank!

Bannock Bakers were busy during our Metis Awareness month! A big THANK YOU to Mrs. Laurel Ewashen and all the Canyon Lister Elementary School students for their incredible community work! 3 News from Nelson Family of Schools Submitted by Jenna Hopper of Nelson Family of Schools

As Fall winds down and we move into the deep contemplative time of winter, an inner stillness begins to call our attention. This is a time for reflection and integration of the seasons past. Spiraling inwards we seek understanding. My time in the Nelson Family of Schools has been busy to say the least! The winter months will allow me to look more intently inward and reflect on where we have been and where we may yet go.

Some students were looking to our teacher, the sweetgrass braid, to help us understand flexibility and peaceful strength. Students have been practicing their three strand braiding while acknowledging the teaching of mind, body and spirit. To learn any new skill is challenging and I have been so proud to see how many of the students have embraced their braiding despite how tricky it can be at first! This is a braid that was created by South Nelson students. They were asked to select three fabrics. Other students were looking to our teacher, the squirrel, One to represent body, one mind and one spirit. to guide our path. Gathering acorns, drying them, cracking them with rocks and other hand tools, boiling them (like...a lot) and grinding them with large rocks, creating our own mortar and pestles on the earth .All of this was done in honor of the work that our ancestors would have been embodying. The students carried this work with real dignity and perseverance.

Experiencing pattern recognition through the teachings of eagle mouse with all of the students has been really rewarding. To teach them that we are all related in this web of life, for me, is the heart of our ways of knowing. It is the love. This is what frames the picture. Holds it like the sacred treasure that it is. Sharpening the tool of observation through story is one of the things our elders are so masterful at. They help us to see the picture that is framed by relationality. They embody it.

I was honored to have guest Sandra Jacques, a Mi'kmaq traditional Knowledge Keeper and friend. Sandra taught the students, and myself, more about the grandmother drum that is at Wildflower. We learnt that you can give the mother drum a drink of water! I thought that was so beautiful. Sandra was wonderful with the students and they had so many interesting questions for her! We were able to do some cooking in the kitchen. We made bannock. Although bannock is not a traditional food, nor is it very nutritious, it is incredibly comforting. In these times of uncertainty and disconnection, sometimes a piece of bannock works its own unique medicine. Being in the kitchen with our grannies, aunties and moms is so important.

Now we will look to our teacher, winter, to guide our paths. We simply have no choice. Winter is a stern, obedient teacher. Year after year it endures and so too do we. Even more from CLES!

Submitted by Laurel Ewashen of Canyon Lister

Our Remembrance Day Assembly was filled with reminders of gratitude. Acknowledging that November 8th was also National Aboriginal Veterans Day included words from veteran Chief Jason Louie as he spoke about living in a country that supports children, all children, to receive an education and the freedom to grow and to learn. A student choir sang in Flanders Fields to close the assembly as our student cadets stood with pride representing their First Nations, Metis ancestries. 4 Stories from LVR

Submitted by Jesse Halton, Aboriginal Academic Success Teacher, LV Rogers Secondary School

Louis Riel Day School from all over Nelson attended the Metis Flag Raising at City Hall on November 16th to celebrate Louis Riel Day. Louis Riel was a political leader for the Metis People of the Canadian Prairies. He was hanged on November 16th 1885 for the crimes of high treason against the Dominion of Canada. Louis Riel Day is celebrated in BC on this day to honour the legacy of Riel for Metis People across Canada. Metis Elders and members of the MNBC local chapter were present at the Flag Raising ceremony. After the ceremony, students walked to Lakeside Park to attend a Wild Game feast provided by the MNBC local chapter. On a sunny day, good food was had by all to honour this great man.

Hide Camp Students from the LVR Ab Ed program attended Hide Camp with Mama T in Winlaw. We all worked hard to prep the hides we have received from staff and community to be tanned in a traditional manner in the spring. Students and staff scraped fat and meat off the skin, and worked together to stretch the hides to scrape even further. The fur will be removed and the hides will be ready for traditional brain tanning in the spring. Mama T has traditional hide tanning teachings from Cree Elders. She shared her wisdom with students and youth. We will return in the spring to help with the actual tanning process after which the hides will be ready for use. Traditionally, tanned hides had many valuable uses: for clothing, shelter, containers, pouches, blankets. It was such an honour learning the traditional tanning process from a fantastic knowledge keeper. We are looking forward to the spring hide camp!

5

The Senior Boys Volleyball Provincials took place at the Langley Events Centre from Tuesday November 27, to Saturday PCSS Sr Boys December 1 2018.

This was my third school provincials and it was a great way to end off my high school volleyball career. We had a great group of boys to play with this year and we had improved a lot Volleyball throughout the year. Every game at provincials the boys were getting stronger and stronger. The younger boys knew how important this last tournament was to me and two other key grade 12 players. Not just on the court but off the court was a good time too. Doing team activities together like going to the Provincials trampoline park was a lot of fun and an experience I will not soon forget. I have made so many great memories through my high school sports career but this will be a year to remember for sure!

Submitted by Ryley Ducharme, PCSS Aboriginal Education Program my Experience at the Provincial Volleyball Championship

Ryley Ducharme (left) Etienne Boutet (right) PCSS Aboriginal Education Program My experience at Provincials Volleyball Championships was very special this year, as it will be my last. It started out with a 9 hour bus ride to Langley with the team. Then that night we had our opening ceremonies for the tournament, and a hypnotist came and performed for the teams. The three games we had the next day were going to determine how we would handle the week. Going into the first game I knew I had to be mentally and physically prepared. Worrying about one point at a time and staying focused throughout the match helped me contribute to the team. We ended the first day at Provincials with 3 big wins, only losing one set.

The next morning we had the biggest match of the tournament for us. This game determined whether or not we’d place in the top 8 or place us, at best, 9th. We took the game to 5 sets being neck and neck the last set. It was game point for Kelly Road and they ended up winning it from a tough call by the ref that ended our chances of the top 8. After that game we bounced back with a straight two set win over Smithers to end off the second day. Friday afternoon we added another win, celebrating the day with a team movie. Friday night was the hardest for me to take in over all of my other sports days by far, because I knew I would be playing my last ever high school volleyball game. We went in swinging hard, everyone having the thought that they were playing for the grade 12’s in their final game. It was a close game but we won in two and as the final whistle blew, it was an emotional time for the three Grade 12’s. Having our team be so small, we were very close with one another, on and off the court. It was fun to watch this week because if someone got down on themselves or each other in a tough situation, another member of the team would always be there supporting them and trying to bring the energy back up to a place where we needed it to win.

Having the opportunity to go back to Provincials and play my hardest for my team was an awesome experience I will never forget. I learned many aspects about myself, as well as my teammates. It showed me that even in tough situations, when things may not be going my way, I just have to keep my energy up and stay positive, knowing that something great may shoot from something bad.

Submitted by Etienne Boutet, PCSS Aboriginal Education Program

Great stuff. You guys are great and you’re a wonderful example of perseverance and determination. You’re also very important in that you’re excellent role models for our younger students. I can see how invested you were in the game and I’m so pleased that you managed to keep such a positive mindset. Awesome! Submitted by Ki Louie, PCSS 6 Creston Homelinks and Wildflower

Submitted by Colleen Mooney

Students at Creston Homelinks and Creston Wildflower have been busy this Metis Awareness Month.

We celebrated the rich culture, history and traditions of this very important group of people who make up the three groups of Indigenous people in Canada! This group was / is a bridge bringing people together. Their contributions were beads, bannock, and so much more!

Some activities included learning the history of the Metis flag, weaving sashes, beading Remembrance Day poppies, Louis Riel history and practicing our Red River Jig. Big shout out to Delores Basil who has been feeding us on Frybread Fridays.

Creston Wildflower studied the Seven Sacred Teachings, played Indigenous Games, beaded, weaved....and danced their hearts out! Frybread Fridays with Delores Basil

November Aboriginal Education Activities from Creston Homelinks  Metis Awareness Month - beading poppies / finger weaving Metis sash  We Matter Campaign – viewing videos  Responsible Gambling / Traditional Gaming Workshop  Rock Your Mocs designing  Frybread Fridays

November Aboriginal Education Activities from Creston Wildflower  Remembrance Day Poppy Beading  Metis Awareness Month - educational videos, beading / Metis Sash finger weaving  Metis Jigging  Indigenous games

Richard hard at work Thanks to Colleen and all the students!

7 Highlighting the awesome!!! Meet Jackson Wilkinson—Crawford Bay School’s top cross country runner!

Jackson is a student at Crawford Bay School. In the summer of 2017, after he finished grade ten, Jackson got accepted into the Bold Eagle program in Wainwright Alberta. The Bold Eagle program combines Indigenous cultural teachings with military training. As part of Jackson’s training he had to run in full Army gear as part of the physical and team building training. Jackson really liked the Bold Eagle program and would highly recommend it. (You can learn more about Bold Eagle here: https:// www.canada.ca/en/army/services/bold-eagle.html)

That October Jackson joined the Crawford Bay School cross country team. His first meet was in Salmo. Two weeks later he ran 6.4 km with other grade eleven and twelve students and won first place. His next meet was the Kimberley Nordic Cup, which is a very hilly 7.7 km race. Jackson won first place in Kimberly which qualified him for the BC Provincials at Jericho Beach with 298 other grade 11/12 runners from all around BC. Jackson placed very impressively in his class. Great Running Jackson. Thank you for representing Crawford Bay School.

Submitted by Alana Strom of Crawford Bay School

On behalf of our team at SD8, we are so proud of you, Jackson! Way to go!!!

Do you know of a super star athlete, artist, writer, community volunteer, or all around great person? If so, we want to meet them! Please send us your stories to help us celebrate students all across the district. Let’s keep highlighting the awesome!

8 A language idea...

Students at Erickson Elementary School are learning the word for “Bear” in as many languages as possible! If you know of any more words, please send them to Janet Zarchukoff at Erickson Elementary School. Can you think of a word for your students at your school to learn? Songs and stories at Jewett Submitted by Molly Leathwood of Jewett Elementary At Jewett, we set aside one period per week to appreciate our Aboriginal students and learning. Recently we worked on some Metis artifacts to respect Metis Month. We raised the Metis flag. Once every few months, we have an Aboriginal themed hot lunch. Our next Aboriginal hot lunch is on November 28. Last week we made bannock buns to have with our Bison burgers. After Christmas break, we are dedicating a portion of our Ready Set Learn funds to an Aboriginal Learning Circle with the pre-school students that attend our Strong Start program. We will talk about the Aboriginal program we run in our schools and introduce our pre-school children to our Aboriginal program in our school. Recently we spent a morning with Danica learning some drumming songs and during our Take Me Outside time, which we do every Friday, we learned a few Aboriginal outdoor games. To learn more about traditional games, check out this great resource from our friends at SD58: http:// abed.sd58.bc.ca/ wordpress/wp-content/ uploads/2016/01/Traditional-Aboriginal-Games.pdf 9 Highlighting the awesome!!! Meet Courtney—Ally Extraordinaire!

Courtney is in grade five and has always gone to Erickson Elementary. She was born and raised in Creston. Courtney has been volunteering her time to help out in the Aboriginal Education program at her school. She helps Mrs. Zarchukoff with all sorts of assignments and she is truly awesome! Here are some comments from our interview with Courtney:

Where did your interest in Aboriginal Education come from? I had many friends in the program. I really liked seeing people proud in their regalia.

What is important about being involved in the program? I love the regalia and dancing in the pow wow.

What advice would you give to other students who are curious about their culture? Ask your parents about your ancestry.

Why do you think it’s important to learn about Aboriginal culture? People should be proud of other people’s work related to their culture. What excites you most about learning a different culture? Seeing new things.

What advice do you have for teachers who are curious about learning more about Aboriginal culture? Try it out!

Courtney has been helping Mrs. Zarchukoff as her “right hand” assistant extraordinaire! She has been helping other students with their regalia as well. Mrs. Zarchukoff describes Courtney as having a great sense of humor and being reliable, responsible, helpful, and respectful.

Way to go, Courtney! Thanks for being a great ally!

10 Metis Awareness Day at CrawFord Bay School

On November 14th, students and staff at Crawford Bay School celebrated a Métis Awareness Day to honour Louis Riel Day on November 16th. The day started out with a bannock bake off with many students who participate in the Aboriginal Education program! The youth added Beautiful display created by Alana their own variations on a Strom and her students “tried and true” recipe. Some youth chose to fry and some chose to bake it. They helped each other out and a friendly level of competition also occurred! Over the lunch hour, their peers had a chance to sample the different creations.

After lunch, the entire school braved the snowy weather outside to witness the flag raising ceremony. Under the leadership of Alana Strom, students and staff all participated in the ceremony. Songs, teachings, and words of honour were shared. Way to go, Crawford Bay!

Did you know…

A teaching shared by Leah Dorion in the book “The Giving Tree” goes like this… “Our Métis infinity flag represents the Scared Law of Harmony and Balance. The Métis infinity flag was flown to remind the Métis community about their responsibility to look concurrently at the past, present, and future. The infinity symbol reminds Métis people to find the balance between our First Nations and European heritages” (Resource available in the District Ab Ed Collection) 11 Water and Community

Submitted by Andrea Mann of Mount Sentinel and Brent Kennedy

One of the thematic areas of focus for Aboriginal Education at the South Slocan schools this fall has been water. As we move through our days in these beautiful valleys, water is never far. We are so lucky to be in the presence and power of the rivers we live beside. And in the transition between seasons, water is even more in our consciousness, as the heavy rains fall. In this arresting passage from his book Embers, Richard Wagamese reminds us to be grateful for the rain, and to recognize how water connects us:

“A drenching, nourishing rain in the mountains. The beat of it on the roof, its glimmer as it courses off the eaves. The tears of Mother Earth, blessing everything and empowering life. Lift your face to it and feel her energy. She’s in you—she’s in me. We are kin.”

Whether exploring learning through the mystery and miracle of water, or progressing through our practical day-to-day plans, I am always focused on what can connect us. Building community is what fosters the feeling of belonging we want to share with our learners. In the weeks since our last newsletter, we made connections between grades and between schools. There were smiles and laughter and busy hands as we learned together. We acted upon the teaching that if we receive knowledge, we must pass it along.

We were also so fortunate to have community members come and visit our schools to expand upon our learning. Spending time with community members reminds us that learning is lifelong and does not just take place at school. Learning with community members helps us feel that just as we belong in our school, we also belong in the wider world.

At an SD8 Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement meeting I attended with the district team, a parent spoke about how the Aboriginal Education program really helped their children get through a tough time of transition for their family. That’s what we can offer each other in community. The river flows past us all. When rain falls, it falls on us all.

Yet, as a non-Indigenous teacher of Aboriginal Education, I must also remain aware that our connection is not simple or static. In the process of reconciliation, I can never forget the weight of history and the presence of power imbalance and on-going inequities. Being one of the attendees from School District #8 at this year’s First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) conference, I was struck once again by the power and beauty of voices and culture that have been pushed to the margins for too long. In the rain, in the river, I will continue to listen carefully for the voices giving guidance of how to right wrongs, and how to move forward. In this way, I will continue in my intention to help bring connection, hope and clarity to the Aboriginal learners trusted to my care. 12 Tales from Trafalgar Photos submitted by Liz Evans, Trafalgar Middle School

Students at Trafalgar school have been learning about hide processing and tanning at Hide Camp! Way to go, students, and thank you for working so hard to help keep our teachings alive! They have also been very busy learning traditional skills to make mittens. They will be keeping warm this winter.

Stories From Slocan

Students at WE Graham School in Slocan had the opportunity to learn a beautiful story found by Erin Johnson, Education Assistant through the Aboriginal Education program, called “The Legend of the Tamarack”. After hearing the story, they created Tamarack artwork in the style of Metis artist, Christi Belcourt (check out her amazing work here: http:// christibelcourt.com/). Her work takes inspiration from Metis beadwork and the students created work in this style to represent each bead with a dot. They learned about the care and attention to details in this beautiful work.

13 Louis Riel Day 2018—Nelson

Students from all across the Nelson Family of Schools joined the Nelson and Area Metis for the flag raising on Louis Riel Day (November 16th) at Nelson City Hall. Many Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members were in attendance. After the flag raising, students and community members met at Lakeside Park for a wild meat feast! Special thanks to Toni Appleby at LVR for her vision and efforts, Deborah Nelson for her cooking, and the Nelson and Area Metis for the support in making it all happen! Flag raising with the community! Metis Awareness Month at

Salmo Elementary

Toni Appleby (LVR) and Elder Bob Adams Submitted by Kari Lynn Hatt of Salmo Elementary

What a wonderful time we had celebrating Metis Awareness month! Our new friend and Metis knowledge keeper, Maurice Trudel, visited us at Salmo Elementary school in November. Our amazing intermediate group (grades 4-6) of 18 students gathered together and participated in a sharing circle with Maurice. We listened to his story about how dog got his bark, got to explore artifacts like arrowheads, and treasures like his buffalo hide and sage. We even ate delicious Bannock! Yumm! The students were proud to share what they knew about their ancestry and culture. We learned about the meaning of the colors of the sash and the highlight was watching Maurice do some jigging! His dancing with his beautiful Metis shirt with long tassels and infinity emblem, as well as his moccasins and sash, gave us a beautiful view into what the traditional Metis jigging looks like. We imagined late nights with families, love, music and food. We were all very proud and fulfilled by the experience and cannot wait for the next time Maurice can visit. Marsee Maurice! Marsee students! P.s. We also got our new Metis flag hung beside the Canadian and BC flags in our school gym for all to see. Metis Elders Bob Adams and Don Courson 14 Metis Awareness at Redfish Submitted by Karen Kendall of Redfish Elementary

The gathering on November 16th focused on the flag raising, sharing drumming, music and bannock. The sun was shining on this ceremony. We gathered with some volunteer drummers and then raised the flag with our Metis friends. After, we shared bannock with the school. There were grade 4/5 leaders to help make cinnamon bannock and share with the school. We sat and listened to fiddle music in the sun. The ceremony was closed with drumming and reflection. It was an awesome morning!

The kids also focused on the Metis art and music to create a mural.

So thankful for the sharing.

Louis Riel Day at CLES

Louis Riel Day, November 16th, was acknowledged with an assembly focused on the Metis Culture. Introduced by some of our Metis students, our guest Zavellenah Huscroft, played the beloved Red River jig along with a varied selection of Metis fiddle songs. Students clapped and danced trying our their front step, back step, scissor step and just plain fun steps!

EVENTS

 January 26—Celebration of Indigenous Culture (Nelson—information to be distributed)  February 13—Moosehide Campaign  February 14—Women’s Memorial March  February 21—Mother Language Day  June 21—National Indigenous Peoples Day (stay tuned for event information regarding our 5km walk/run) 15 16