At Canyon Lister Elementary School we have been busy with all our learning. Students have been eager to participate in several different learning opportunities such as the Equity Youth Circle, Soap Carving, and Traditional Medicines. As a community we are also looking forward to the raising of our school tipi and the SD8 Youth Pow Wow.

Recently grade 4-7 students in the AbEd program were invited to participate in an Equity Youth Circle. The purpose of the youth circle was to discuss equity in our school, and hear student perspectives. Most of the intermediate students attended. Initially it took the students time to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with one another, however once they started hearing others speak, we got a lot of input. Many students are eager to see more representation of Indigenous culture reflected in the learning spaces. This was a great opportunity to connect with one another on a smaller level and discuss things that can positively impact our whole CLES community in the future.

Students at CLES really enjoy hands on learning. Intermediate classes have explored soap carving in connection to discussions and teachings about the Inuit while getting to showcase their creativity. I also really enjoyed getting to share traditional medicines with the grade 4 class. We were again able to get hands on and use our senses to explore Sage, Sweetgrass, Cedar, and Tobacco. The students enjoyed getting to see, touch, and smell the medicines.

CLES is currently in the process of purchasing new poles for the school tipi and inviting some members of the Lower Kootenay Band to attend the raising of the tipi. We are excited to have another place at the school to invite both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to gather and expand their traditional knowledge of the territory that we reside and learn on. The tipi will also provide another space for students to engage in outdoor education, which they love!

Students in the AbEd program at CLES have been invited to make regalia. There are currently 4 students making fancy dance shawls, 4 students making ribbon shirts, and 2 students making moccasins. The regalia is so exciting to see as the pattern and colour choices really showcase the many different identities within our school. These students have also been invited to learn to Fancy Dance or Grass Dance, or join the youth drum group. These students will be practicing weekly until the Pow Wow.

As May quickly approaches, we are beginning to discuss the culture, traditions, and history around Pow Wow and the learning opportunity that our SD8 Youth Pow Wow provides. This is a great chance for us to learn together as many students and staff will be attending for the first time. Students who were able to attend in-person or virtual Pow Wows in previous years are excited to be returning.

Submitted by Angeleen Williams, Aboriginal Youth Worker & Family Liaison and Noelle Lavalee, Pow Wow Auntie