Dear Families, friends and colleagues,

As winter wraps us in its embrace, bringing us closer around fires and under cozy blankets, may we find deep meaning in this season of storytelling and reflection. Chief Robert Joseph, a respected Indigenous leader, reminds us, “Reconciliation is about forging and maintaining respectful relationships. There are no shortcuts.” In this spirit, our Aboriginal Education programs are actively engaging in initiatives that honour our ancestors and foster understanding and respectful relationships within our diverse community.

Our commitment to enhancing the educational journey for on-reserve students is evident in our involvement with the BC Tripartite Education Agreement (BCTEA) priorities. We are working diligently to improve Joint Nominal roll processes, BCTEA Transportation, and providing professional development that is focused on the success of Aboriginal students with guidance from Lower Kootenay Band. This includes ensuring access to extra-curricular funding for nominal roll students.

We continue to build upon Aboriginal awareness and learning opportunities across the district, recognizing the importance of cultural understanding in education. We take guidance from knowledge keepers of this Land and this fall, we welcomed in Dan Nanamkin as a Sinixt storyteller.  In the new year, we will welcome in Madeline Terbasket, from the Okanagan Nation who will be visiting schools with Syilx teachings.  In the spring, we will share pow wow teachings with guidance from Yaqan Nukiy and the many guests who bring Pow Wow in SD8 to life!  We also look forward to inviting in Secwepemc knowledge with stories from schools.  November is a special time of honouring Metis teachings here in SD8.  From these knowledges of the Land, we learn how best to do our work with deep respect for these teachings.  Additionally, this year we have honoured guests who will visit all schools with active and experiential Indigenous sports!  Efforts to complete District Academic Reviews and Primary Success meetings in all schools, are crucial for boosting the completion and literacy rates of Aboriginal learners through personalized support.

This winter, we are also proud to co-lead the District Professional Development Days in partnership with the District Pro-D Committee. These professional learning days are a cornerstone in deepening understanding and awareness around cultural sensitivity, anti-racism, Truth and Reconciliation, and the historical impact of colonialism in Canada. In tandem with this, we support schools and Aboriginal Education staff in developing school-specific plans for supplemental Aboriginal supports that align with our Aboriginal Education Focus Goals.  At all times, we work from an equity stance individualizing supports to meet student needs.

We are also actively showcasing various Aboriginal initiatives district-wide, such as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Rock your Moccs, Orange Shirt Day, the Moosehide Campaign, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People Awareness Day. These initiatives help to foster deeper understanding and respect for our diverse cultures and histories.

SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) awareness continues to guide our work, in the words of Dr. Evan Adams, who wisely noted, “Health does not exist in a vacuum. It's a product of our histories, our present, and our societal structures.” By fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all identities, we aim to create a safe and welcoming space for all learners.

Additionally, we are supporting the development of the new Indigenous Grad requirement for the 2023-2024 school year, as this year marks the first year across our province where every graduate will graduate with one mandatory Indigenous content course!  What we are hearing across the district is enthusiasm, creativity, and bravery as teachers embrace this opportunity and enter into this content with humility and respect.

Aboriginal Education is deeply involved in the ongoing work of anti-racism and cultural safety. Integral to this work is encouraging student voice, leadership, and agency in anti-racism development, empowering students to be active participants in creating a more inclusive and equitable community.

As we move through this winter season, let us continue to listen to the words of Elders and storytellers, learn from the stories of our ancestors, and celebrate the light that strengthens our collective circle. Your support, feedback and involvement in these initiatives are invaluable as we work together to enrich the educational journey of every student in SD8.

In closing, we reflect on the words of the Honorable Murray Sinclair: “Education is what got us into this mess, but education is the key to reconciliation.” May we continue to educate ourselves and each other in the spirit of reconciliation and mutual respect.

Enjoy the upcoming holidays, the quiet of the snowy evenings, and some peace that comes to us all from these beautiful lands in the wintertime.

See you in 2024.

SD8 Aboriginal Education Team,

Gail Higginbottom                                            Jesse Halton                                       Noelle Lavallee