Indigenous Learning & Culture

<p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today we celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day. Students got to spend the day in the sun learning about and celebrating Indigenous Culture. We were able to take in all the events along the parade route and at Boitanio Park.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6a5c013a-c0e0-4e5a-bb7c-df6601a5b0e9?fingerprint=ppb20260623183226" alt="NIPD kelly glen" width="606" height="455" style="width:606px;height:455px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to Bruce Baptiste and Val McTavish from Denisiqi, who along with our Indigenous Support Workers, gifted their knowledge of drum making to our grade 6 students. These drums celebrate the learning journey from Kindergarten through Grade 6 and play a central role in how we honor that experience with our Grade 6 students.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/01a86c46-7094-46b4-a220-0ba0146dd657?fingerprint=ppb20260506215525" alt="The Gift of the Drum 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/624a92e4-7392-4067-9886-71f9d9a03761?fingerprint=ppb20260506215520" alt="The Gift of the Drum" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tsilqot’in Language and Culture teacher Mrs. Jack is currently working with our students on Lahal teachings. Students are learning how the game is played, its cultural significance, and how to make their own Lahal sticks. We’re looking forward to the upcoming Lahal tournament, where students will have the opportunity to showcase their skills.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/899e7b94-1249-45bf-82e4-068c111dbe7f?fingerprint=ppb20260422043321" alt="Lahal Prep 1 kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cd8ad64c-0388-4dc4-9a36-1756ba4051ec?fingerprint=ppb20260422043322" alt="Lahal Prep 2 kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We’re so fortunate to have Mrs. Jack as our Tŝilhqot’in Language and Culture teacher here at Nesika. This month, Mrs. Jack is taking language learning outdoors - what a great way to learn and soak in the sun.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/637edbc6-7d7d-43b6-8556-a664d266c7e5?fingerprint=ppb20260412031126" alt="Tŝilhqot’in in Nature kelly glen" width="484" height="645" style="width:484px;height:645px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are so incredibly fortunate to have two Language and Culture teachers working here at Nesika. Both Danikka Murphy, Secwepemctsin Language and Culture teacher, and Linda Jack, Tsilhqot'in Language and Culture teacher, strive to enrich our learning in many ways. Here we see the amazing work of Linda Jack, and knowledge keeper Candice Jack. Students are learning about patience, mastery, and independence as they bead together.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/259edd63-7180-4604-8310-2b7b3e552fa2?fingerprint=ppb20260306050455" alt="Looming for Learning kelly glen" width="598" height="598" style="width:598px;height:598px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Routtu’s K/1 class recently completed a collaborative art project inspired by their learning about pow wow culture. Following their experience with the Thomas Dueck Pow Wow, students worked together to create woven pieces representing pow wow regalia.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bc36cf6f-81a8-409c-a7c8-18d8c40f029e?fingerprint=ppb20260216201613" alt="Pow Wow Regalia inspired art kelly glen" width="471" height="239" style="width:471px;height:239px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With support from our Indigenous Department, librarian Mrs. Stevens, has begun a project where she is growing medicines right inside our library. These medicines will be entirely grown and processed by students here at Nesika. These will then be used as gifts for knowledge keepers who share their time and teachings with our students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0bde846b-b363-456b-a85c-fda1bd500e19?fingerprint=ppb20260204060942" alt="Growing Medicines kelly glen" width="432" height="914" style="width:432px;height:914px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Together with Language and Culture teacher Danikka Murphy, and ICSW Denise Swampy, students took part in learning about food preservation; an important lesson for getting through the winter months. Students were treated to local Saskatoon berries that were harvested by Danikka herself.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/11ebab37-714d-4569-8c19-6f1846152ecc?fingerprint=ppb20260106212412" alt="Making Jam1 kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ec69fcf2-a3a9-41b0-8ef8-54334969ccd9?fingerprint=ppb20260106212413" alt="Making Jam2 kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We were gifted with the presence of Chelsei Gray - renowned pow wow and hoop dancer from Sq’ewlets and Quw’utsun. We learned, we danced, we left better as better versions of ourselves.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1f06d92e-14cc-4b1f-bc1e-d480e01828ff?fingerprint=ppb20251217033752" alt="kelly glen 5675" width="537" height="398" style="width:537px;height:398px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today all our intermediate students spent the day at Boitanio Park participating in Orange Shirt Day Activities while our primary students took part in discussions about Truth and Reconciliation. We spent time learning, reflecting, and making a pledge towards our own reconciliation.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/65ab1d54-8b38-477d-8c48-963554934fa9?fingerprint=ppb20260301055558" alt="A Pledge Towards Reconciliation1 kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d7cab9b7-ccdb-4035-92de-fb3d98049008?fingerprint=ppb20260301055558" alt="A Pledge Towards Reconciliation2 kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On District Planning Day staff at École 100 Mile Elementary engaged in a meaningful Secwepemc language lesson led by Irene Gilbert from Tq’ésqen First Nation. Irene shared words and phrases from the Secwepemctsín language, offering insight into their deep cultural significance and ancestral connection to this land.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following the language session, staff moved outdoors to our community garden, where they received a lesson and created pictographs inspired by traditional Indigenous art forms. These experiences reflect our belief that it is just as important for adults as it is for students to learn about the rich history and living culture of the land we live and learn on.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through this learning, staff model the Circle of Courage values: Belonging by building relationships with local Knowledge Keepers, Mastery by developing new understandings, Independence by taking responsibility for their own growth, and Generosity by passing this learning on to our students and school community.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3109313f-ad2d-458a-8edd-d00aa6e59f54?fingerprint=ppb20260218221020" alt="Where We Live (2) crystaldawn langton" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/342330ab-495f-40b6-9b37-a081d528b767?fingerprint=ppb20260218221020" alt="Where We Live (1) crystaldawn langton" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, staff at Nesika started the year in circle grounding ourselves in the place we live and learn. We continued our day learning about the return of the salmon to the Secwepemc Territory and the impact this has had on the families in our community.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8a25267f-2ac4-412c-b03c-e1479b017871?fingerprint=ppb20260218214334" alt="Indigenizing Our Practice1 kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f95b664f-9969-4bbc-8e2e-e58903c93513?fingerprint=ppb20260218214334" alt="Indigenizing Our Practice2 kelly glen" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you Mrs. Jack, with helpers Dancing Water, Freda, William and Danikka for hosting a Cultural Learning Celebration Friday afternoon for our Secwepemc and Chilcotin language students. They really enjoyed the hands-on learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/95e89358-754d-4a54-9c01-5788b36aab2a?fingerprint=ppb20251217035020" alt="Celebration of Culture and Language" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4bca3c59-84d5-4dbf-a567-08de902cb0a9?fingerprint=ppb20251217034010" alt="Celebration of Culture and Language" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">100 students from Nesika Elementary School had the immense privilege to visit the WLFN Pow wow arbor for a gathering of well over 500 students and colleagues from SD27. They took two buses and were there for half the day. Students had the opportunity to listen to speeches and bear witness to survivors' accounts. Local community agencies were well represented and students were even gifted with food and items to take home. Thank you Orange Shirt Society, SD27, WLFN and all who helped put together this meaningful event.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/809e98ac-ff1f-5e1d-b200-f2d782c7ed0c?fingerprint=ppb20251217034556" alt="zsit6xgz.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This term has been focused on projects. During the winter months we cannot be outside as much as we'd like to, so we focus on learning hand projects inside. The grade 6s have completed their drums, the grade 5s have completed their rattles, and now Miss Danikka and Mrs. Swampy are teaching M Routtu's class how to make ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts. We can't wait to see the finished masterpieces!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/14917a60-7188-4a6f-91b5-2c068daa9795?fingerprint=ppb20251217033726" alt="Language Culture Project Time" width="573" height="1018" style="width:573px;height:1018px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Grade 6 have begun construction on their drum projects. Every year students in grade 6 build their own drum with help from Ms. Danikka and Mrs. Swampy. Students learn about the importance of drumming in indigenous cultures, learn songs, and apply their own personal art work. At the grade 6 leaving ceremony in June, students honor their parents, their teachers and their classmates with a drum circle. We can't wait to see the completed projects!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/907bbf94-c2e2-47e8-a109-041b4830040d?fingerprint=ppb20251217035006" alt="Grade 6 Drum Projects" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/17d534b1-968f-4962-b5d8-be216805c84c?fingerprint=ppb20251217033739" alt="Grade 6 Drum Projects" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For Day 5 of Literacy Week, we celebrated outside with s’mores! Mrs. Jack taught Chilcotin culture and language class outside and she highlighted the importance of oral traditions in storytelling. Mrs. Peach, Mrs. Guichon and Mrs. Swampy helped us too (including prepping 300 s'mores!)</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8f2b6d89-218f-48b6-9041-39d1ea4ca4b2?fingerprint=ppb20251217035006" alt="Chilcotin Language Oral Story-telling" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f60f61af-c73a-49a7-9557-8ddb10d0da3e?fingerprint=ppb20251217040525" alt="Chilcotin Language Oral Story-telling" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In Ms. Murphy's language and culture class, students are engaged in playful language acquisition. Did you know you can play Scrabble in Secwepemctsín? Purchased locally!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/887acf4c-e72c-5907-8ea7-8d98e41954c4?fingerprint=ppb20251217034631" alt="hzok5zzk.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ece52a23-0dc9-53d5-b4f6-05071e60fb72?fingerprint=ppb20251217040459" alt="bsi50kmy.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yesterday we were fortunate to have a presentation from Mr. Kenthen Thomas. As a First Nations performer, Kenthen captivates audiences with his fascinating retellings of legends of the Secwepemc, his family land for more than 10,000 years. This is where his late grandmother, respected and even legendary Secwepemc elder, the late Dr. Mary Thomas, taught him the traditional art of storytelling. Storytelling for the Shuswap people brought entertainment to the families during long winter nights. It was also a way to keep the history alive, tell important lessons, and share amusing anecdotes about all the creatures found on this land. At the end of yesterday’s presentation, grade 6 student leadership members were able to gift and thank him, and then Ms. Danikka led us all in enthusiastic song. Fantastic!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8e5284b8-53fe-5cff-bf7e-9c9882df0643?fingerprint=ppb20251217034956" alt="wpp4qrmf.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/58cbbac6-dd43-5295-8227-12e456a0c26c?fingerprint=ppb20251217034048" alt="kwzwdhpu.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Danikka Murphy shared some beautiful salmon and trout with our students last week. Having spent the weekend cleaning and preparing fish for her community, she spoke with the students about the gratitude she feels for the fish who give their lives to nourish ours. Students learned how to tell the difference between male and female salmon and noticed the similarities and differences between the salmon and the trout. Danikka finished off the learning with a brainstorm of ways that we might prepare the fish: smoked, candied, canned, BBQ and fish head soup were all ideas shared by the students.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fe2b268c-3a78-55e6-970a-d7f4c533dfbb?fingerprint=ppb20251217040636" alt="sqleten%20(salmon)%20and%20trout_heather%20mckinnon.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>