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Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 1
The 2012 Aboriginal Nations Grad
Recognition Ceremony & Banquet… took place on May 31, 2012 at the SJ Willis
Education Centre, where 71 graduates were
recognized for their achievements. Five District
scholarships were awarded to the following:
Dr. Rose Lenser, First Nations into Science
Scholarship was awarded to Bae Dawson from Vic
High.
Hemasaka Aboriginal Nations Scholarships were
awarded to Jessica Horrocks, Oak Bay and Marina
King, Vic High.
Violet’s Pride Scholarship was awarded to Gordon
Lesage, Vic High.
Judy Bourne Memorial Scholarships were awarded
to Woolode Gorup-Edwards, Spectrum and Shadow
Alfred, Vic High.
Voices of Our Ancestors, Dr. Taiaiake Alfred
Scholarship was awarded to Breandan McGhee,
Reynolds.
Three Grade 8 Achievement Awards were awarded
to Connor Stevens, Central; Kelsey Lyall, Lansdowne;
and Cheyenne Perry, Colquitz.
Grade 10 Thrifty Foods Achievement Awards
went to Sam Mitchell-Joy, Vic High and Chelsea
Blackmore, Esquimalt.
Congratulations to all the winners!
The 2013 Grad Ceremony is scheduled for
Thursday, June 6th at the S.J. Willis Ed. Centre
Métis sashes were provided by the
Métis Nation of Greater Victoria
Aboriginal Nations Education Division
News l e t t e r
Winter 2012/3
We wish to recognize and acknowledge the Esquimalt & Songhees Nations on whose traditional territories we
live, we learn, and we do our work.
Greater Victoria School District
556 Boleskine Road
Victoria, BC V8Z 1E8
Tel: [250] 475-4124 Fax: [250] 475-4109
The Greater Victoria School
District’s Aboriginal Student
Dogwood Completion Rate has
moved from 33% to 53% in five
years!!!
Happy New Year, we have now
transitioned into 2013 with a shift
in energy and focus. We have had
an exciting start to the school year. We started
with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations hosting a
workshop at the Lekwammen Big House for 375
educators. It was an amazing presentation by Butch
Dick, Brad Dick and Tom Sampson. It provided
insight into the language, culture and teachings of
the traditional territory and provided us with a
great foundation to start the school year.
We ended the month of September with a large
increase of requests by teachers to participate in
the district Aboriginal Curriculum and Cultural
Integration Program. Many district staff and
community members have gone into classrooms and
the schools to support the integration of Aboriginal
content into the curriculum as outlined by the
Ministry of Education’s Prescribed Learning
Outcomes. It has also provided opportunities for
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 2
students to be active in their learning, both in the
classroom and on the land.
Aboriginal Education is for all learners, and the
feedback we have received from staff and students
has demonstrated the significance and importance
of having the Aboriginal perspectives woven into the
curriculum for all students and providing
opportunities to experience learning in a variety of
contexts. It is also an exciting time to be an
educator as the number of quality Aboriginal
resources being developed is amazing. ANED
recently published a number of our elementary
resources into French as we also have a high number
of our students in French Immersion schools. We
have also updated our district website to support
teachers, staff and community to access relevant
resources. http://www.sd61.bc.ca/aned.aspx
ANED continues to host the University of Victoria ‘s
pre-service teachers with presentations on
Aboriginal Education and we provide opportunities
for students to look through the large collection of
ANED library resources. It provides students and
teachers with ideas and options on lesson plans that
support the Aboriginal Learning Outcomes in their
practicums. New teachers with new perspectives,
with new experiences, equals new learning for all
students.
As stated by a Vic High student, “It’s all good to read the information from a book, but it doesn’t really help you all the time. To really understand how it was and affected people to this day, having someone in front of you, that lived through what we are studying, is better than any book.” Or another
student makes a choice through experience, “I came to class thinking I would try the Ooligan grease and be the brave one, but after I smelt it, there’s no way!”
As we move into 21st Century Learning we know that
the experiential nature of traditional Aboriginal
learning benefits all students and provides them
with a foundation that will enhance their education
journey and expand their vision of the world.
Nella Nelson, Coordinator
Aboriginal Nations Education Division (ANED)
Introducing the New
BAA Cultural Connections 12 Course
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 3
A NED ST A FF A ND T HE S CHOO LS
T HE Y SE R VE
Central Middle:
Ray Forsberg, Academic Support Teacher
Joanne Mitchell, ANED District Counselor
Cloverdale Traditional Elementary:
Jennifer Adam (Bowick), Education Assistant
Craigflower Elementary:
Andrea Jardim, Kindergarten Teacher
Trena Sutton, Skill Development Teacher
Krystal Cook, Kindergarten Educational Asst.
Fabian Quocksister, Educational Assistant
Carrie Craghtten, Educational Assistant
Paul Thomas, ANED District Counselor
Colquitz Middle:
Paul Thomas, ANED District Counselor
Esquimalt High:
Sarah Rhude, Academic /Support Teacher
Michele Tomasino, Support Teacher
Gail Higginbottom, ANED/School Based Counselor
Diane Sam, Education Assistant
John Harris, Education Assistant
Elena Luna, Education Assistant
George Jay Elementary:
Bianca Lepitre, Full Day Kindergarten Teacher
Willo Bennett, Skill Development Teacher
Pam Russ, ANED District Counselor
Samantha Shaughnessy, Education Assistant
James Bay Elementary:
Sylvia Fee, Educational Assistant
Lansdowne Middle:
Mark Albany, ANED District Counselor
Mitchell du Plessis, YFC
Macaulay Elementary:
Brenda Andrews, Education Assistant
Mt. Douglas Secondary:
Paul Thomas, ANED District Counselor
Tammy Reid, YFC
Oaklands:
Sylvia Fee, Educational Assistant
Quadra Elementary:
Pam Bourque, Education Assistant
Reynolds Secondary:
Gary Crocker, Academic/Support Teacher
Pam Russ, ANED District Counselor
Rockheights Middle:
Willo Bennett, Skill Development Teacher
Shoreline Middle:
Mark Albany, ANED District Counselor
Brenda Pohl, Academic/Literacy Support Tchr.
Elizabeth Camping, Education Assistant
S.J. Willis, Alternative Ed.
Louise Milburn, Dist. Academic/Cultural Support Tchr.
Spectrum Community:
Nicole Williams, Academic Support Teacher
Paul Thomas, ANED District Counselor
Tillicum Elementary:
Pam Russ, ANED District Counselor
Gloria Cardinal, Educational Assistant
Vic West:
Donna Sinclair, Educational Assistant
View Royal Elementary:
Gloria Cardinal, Educational Assistant
Victoria High:
Jennifer Beaupre, Academic/Support Teacher
Joanne Mitchell, ANED District Counselor
Jo-Ann Rooke, Education Assistant
District Aboriginal Nations Art Teacher: Alex Clark
Community Support Services
Butch Dick Songhees Education Liaison
Kristely Kelly Songhees Student Facilitator
[Shoreline/Craigflower]
Charlotte Charlie Songhees Student Facilitator [Esquimalt] Jill Jewer Esquimalt Student Facilitator (Elem. & Middle)
Terry Copenace Esquimalt Education Liaison (Secondary)
Desirée Holmes SD#61/VNFC Liaison
Bonnie Quaite Youth & Family Counsellor, VNFC
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 4
ANED Staff in Action
2012 Educational Leadership Conference
Nov. 15-16, 2012
Mark Albany and Jim Young presented at the 2012
Educational Leadership Conference in Vancouver.
Their workshop was titled, “Oral Traditions in Action”. It mobilized people into action and
demonstrated how you can connect children to their
environment in an urban setting, and talked about
the 1100 staff and student who have gone through
our district programs.
2012 FNESC Conference - Nov. 22-24, 2012
Brenda Pohl, Sarah Rhude, Gail Higginbottom and
Diane Sam presented a transition workshop titled,
“Na-sta-maht – One Heart, One Mind”. It
planted the seeds for many school districts including
our own. We know that the transition process is the
key to ensuring success for our students.
Na-sta-maht student participants: Brittany Sampson,
Brittany Wilce, Emma Dewit, Rosie Long, Theresa George,
Benard Sam, Joseph Charlie, Jason Paul.
Missing: Julia Joseph
The Na-sta-maht – “One Heart, One Mind” Program
builds core skills needed for the developmental
transition from middle school to high school. The
intention of this program is to address transition
through a culturally appropriate and safe avenue. A
focus of the course is creating goals for the
present, the near future, and post‐secondary;
students visit a local college, university, and
friendship centre. As well, students are encouraged
to create a personal vision for their educational
future that includes seeing themselves in
post‐secondary settings and highlights practical
tools to help them create a path to higher education.
This is accomplished through cultural hikes,
drumming, circle, technology‐photo story, Elders,
canoeing, gifting, scavenger hunts, and sacred
teachings. In addition, students receive four
credits toward their Dogwood Diploma for
completing the course.
To view the “Na-sta-maht One Heart, One Mind” presentation go to the ANED website, click on the
yellow box “About ANED” and then under “ANED
Today”
http://www.sd61.bc.ca/anedAbout.aspx
Congratulations to Lansdowne Middle School YFC,
Mitchel du Plessis, who was awarded the Service
Provider Award from the office of the BC
Representative for Children and Youth. This is a
very prestigious award for her significant
advocacy work on behalf of vulnerable youth.
Enhancement Agreement in Action: Goal #3 – To increase awareness and understanding of Aboriginal history, traditions and culture.
School News/Activities:
Cloverdale Traditional School
On October 26,
2012, Grade 4
and 5 Aboriginal
students from
Cloverdale
Traditional
School attended
the pole-raising
event at the
Victoria Native
Friendship
Centre (VNFC).
This was a very
special event for
the community as
youth through
the E.A.G.L.E.
Project program
at the VNFC had been working very hard with staff
and Master Carver Carrie Newman on carving the
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 5
pole over the past year. This pole is said to be the
second part of a 3-set grouping of poles that will
stand outside of the VNFC in time to come. The pole
that was already standing was raised on June 21,
2011, and is a tribute to the Coast Salish territory.
This new pole is a tribute to the Kwakwaka'wakw
territory, and in time to come a third pole will be
carved as a tribute to the Nuu Chah Nulth territory.
These are the three traditional territories of
Vancouver Island.
The students who attended the event were honoured
with a special role of helping to pull in the lines
which raised the pole. The students then joined the
VNFC community in a feast which was full of
drumming, delicious food, and wonderful community
relations.
We are very grateful to the VNFC staff for hosting
this beautiful event and for allowing some of our
Cloverdale students to participate in a special way.
All my relations,
Miss Alicia BigCanoe, Aboriginal Education
Assistant
Cloverdale Student Comments:
My name is Erika Beaton and I come from the Ojibway people from Sarnia, Ontario. First and foremost I would like to acknowledge that we are learning on Coast Salish Territory, and to thank the Coast Salish people for having us here today. Standing beside me are some of my peers in the Aboriginal program at our school.
On October 26, 2012, we attended the pole-raising event at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. What made this experience extra special for us was that we were invited to help to pull in the lines which raised the pole.
In total it took over 100 people to raise it together. It was very exciting when the pole was
finally standing tall and proud. There was cheering, clapping, and even tears of joy. Our students then joined the community for a feast which was full of drumming, singing, and delicious food.
This was a very special event for the community as youth through the Eagle Project program at the friendship centre had been working very hard with staff and Master Carver Carrie Newman on carving the pole over the past year.
This pole is said to be the second part of a 3-set grouping of poles that will stand outside of the friendship centre in time to come. The pole that was already standing was raised on June 21, 2011, and is a tribute to the Coast Salish territory. This new pole is a tribute to the Kwakwaka'wakw territory, and in time to come a third pole will be carved as a tribute to the Nuu Chah Nulth territory. These three territories are the three traditional territories of Vancouver Island.
We are very grateful to the VNFC staff for hosting this beautiful event and for allowing some of our Cloverdale students to participate in a special way. All my relations.
Frank Hobbs Elementary School
Students at Frank Hobbs come from many
different cultures and countries, and in October,
we celebrated the rich culture of Aboriginal
People with the assistance of Louise Milburn –
Anishinaabe Traditional Teacher.
All of our students had the wonderful opportunity to
hear Louise Milburn talk about the drum, and see our
Grade 5 Aboriginal students make rattles first-hand.
Louise worked with the Grade 5 students and they,
in turn, shared their work with the entire school
body. All of the Grade 5 students were taught a
song, and Mrs. Coughlin (Mohawk) sang and drummed
along with Louise. The beautiful rattles and the
drums that were gifted to our school are proudly
displayed in the foyer of the school.
Cammy Coughlin, Principal
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 6
Macaulay Elementary School
École Margaret Jenkins School
Monique Gray Smith, a parent at Margaret Jenkins,
has once again organized an Aboriginal Awareness
afterschool program. The first session took place on
Wednesday, December 5th from 3:00 – 4:00 pm.
Guests from the community will be invited to attend
and Elder Butch Dick, from the Songhees Nation,
has been asked to attend at a future date. Butch
will do some storytelling, drumming and have a
project for the students to take home. All students
and parents of ÉMJS are welcome to attend this
group.
Northridge Elementary School
District teacher, Louise Milburn, visited Northridge
Elementary in the Fall to teach our grade 5 leaders
how to make traditional drums and shakers. The
students were involved in each step of the process
and Louise then shared the history and lore of this
traditional practice with all of the students at
Northridge. The drums and shakers were also shown
to Mrs. Leslie Hall, our music teacher, who
collaborated with Louise during music class time! The
class learned how to treat the instruments with
respect and to wrap them up and put them in basket
so they retain
their shape and
playability,
ensuring many
years of use
ahead for
Northridge
students!
Students Austin
McKenna, Grayson
Nunn & Neil
Crowfoot
learning to
make drums
and shakers.
Art work by Lucy and Greta Landrie
Métis students, Grade 1
Art work by Douglas Champion,
Cowichan Nation, Grade 1
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 7
Craigflower Elementary School
“Taking Care of Mother Earth”
At Craigflower School we take good care of
ourselves and of 'Mother Earth'. We have had
fun with Ms. Sutton this year learning about
the environment and how to: reduce, reuse and
recycle. We discovered that many things that
are healthy for the environment are also
healthy for our bodies too. Things like,
drinking water from the fountain, walking
instead of driving, grow food to eat and
turning off the computer to playing board
games. Another connection we have made is
that many of our First Nations' traditional
ways are healthy for the earth. Some of these
activities are: paddling in our canoes, making
our own clothes, picking and catching our own
food and using all parts of what we have.
We enjoyed making a board that shows how we
can help take care of 'Mother Earth'. We look
at it every day as a reminder of what actions
we can take. We feel grateful for all that we
have and want to try our best to take care of
the gifts we have been given.
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 8
École Quadra Elementary School
Awards to Two Special Students:
Each year we have the honour of presenting the
Raven Lacerte Award. Raven is a former Quadra
student. She is very proud of her Aboriginal
heritage and when she left Quadra she decided to
give out a $100 award each year to a deserving
Aboriginal student. The award is given to a student
who demonstrates a high level of respect towards
others; attends school regularly; participates in
sports, music, and community service; and puts in
good effort towards their academic studies.
Each year we have the challenge of deciding which
one of our students deserves this award and this
year was an extremely hard decision. We had two
outstanding students. Both of these students are
true leaders in our school. They are kind, caring,
friendly, and outgoing people. They’re athletes as
well as very hardworking, dedicated students. What
is amazing is that without any hesitation they help
their peers and the adults around them. One
volunteers at every school activity whether it be a
PAC or school sponsored event; and the other also a
wonderful volunteer is an amazing peer counselor.
Since it was so challenging to decide between these
two very deserving students, the Aboriginal
Education Department of School District #61,
decided to match the Raven Lacerte Award.
We were very proud to present the Raven Lacerte
Award to Ariel Schellenberger, of the N’amgis
Nation and the Aboriginal Education Award to
Starrla Webster, from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation
for their outstanding citizenship.
Thank you to Raven Lacerte and to the Aboriginal
Education Department for helping us to recognize
these students.
Sharon English, Vice-Principal
Rogers Elementary School
For the last six years at Rogers, the students with
Aboriginal ancestry go on an annual hike. The
students are led by Mark Albany who shares a
wealth of stories about secrets of the land and the
wise uses of these secrets. After petting banana
slugs, discovering the
magical orange scent
of a coniferous needle,
and peeking inside the
crevice of a tree to
count the rings, the
students come away
from these hikes
better connected to
the natural
environment right
outside their back
doors. This year, the
Aboriginal students at Rogers have the opportunity
for a fall hike and a spring hike. Because the
Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is Rogers
Elementary School's backyard, the student picked
the warmest and sunniest Friday afternoon before
Thanksgiving to spend two hours in the great
outdoors.
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 9
South Park Family School
Making dream catchers
Gordon Head Middle School
Gordon Head Middle School and Hillcrest
Elementary collaborated to arrange a drumming
session in which Augie Thomas and his family visited
Hillcrest School for an afternoon drumming session
with our students.
Eight Gordon Head middle school students (grades
7/8) visited 12 Hillcrest (grades K-5) students in
the Hillcrest gym and played both individual drums
and the "big drum." Afterwards we shared a snack
with Augie and his family.
This was our first collaborative/mentorship effort
between our two schools but we plan to organize
another in the spring and are looking ahead to the
2013-14 school year too.
Gordon Head Middle School student quote: "This is awesome. Are we doing it again?" Nadine Naughton, Vice-Principal
École Lansdowne Middle School
Celebrating Connectedness and Social
Responsibility
Here at Lansdowne, we are weaving the Circle of
Connectedness into our school culture. This
connectedness program was developed by a
community of people at Aboriginal Nations Education
Division and addresses the overall goals in the
province-wide Enhancement Agreement. These goals
include:
1) To increase Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, and
Inuit) student’s sense of place, of caring and of
belonging in the public school system.
2) To honour and improve relationships
between the Greater Victoria School District
and the Aboriginal community and parents.
3) To increase awareness and understanding of
Aboriginal history, traditions and culture.
4) To increase success of all Aboriginal students.
The Search Institute states that a “caring school
climate” created by “relationships with teachers
and peers” provides a caring, encouraging
environment and helps young people grow up healthy,
caring, and responsible (40 Developmental Assets).
www.search-institute.org
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 10
Our Full Circle Back Pack Club goes out into nature
with Mark Albany and Mitchel du Plessis. We also
encourage other folks to join us. Goals of this club
include connecting youth to nature and indigenous
culture, increasing social and life skills and instilling
a sense of pride and social responsibility.
Some of our learning outcomes include an increase in
social skills, an awareness and deepening of
understanding of local First Nation’s people and an
increase in connectedness to nature.
On these trips we have adventured to Craigflower
Creek, Francis King Park, Dallas Road, Mt. Douglas,
Songhees, Chinatown, Royal Roads, Mystic Vale and
Goldstream Park.
We have had many discussions about the following:
the traditions of the Coast and Interior Salish
people, land stewardship -the importance of
protecting our environment, teamwork, school and its
teachings- world and family history, the importance
of learning from others, taking our learning into the
world, learning about our own families and our own
stories as well as gaining insight and acquiring tools
for our back pack. We have learned innovative
problem solving- how to take our situation and deal
with it, what we draw on for strength, courage,
knowledge, self-care skills, spirituality, as well as
healthy eating, exercise, and how to emotionally take
care of ourselves. We have explored cultural
differences and similarities, compassion for others
and self, and acceptance of others and self.
During our trips we are constantly integrating our
knowledge, our skills and ourselves…
Together, students at Lansdowne continue to grow
connections to themselves, the environment and to
others around them. These are some of the
comments students have made:
I can walk down the hall now and see other people I met in backpack club and they are my friends.
I love nature. I learned that I can believe in myself even when I
am scared. You can use kelp to make music. We all have things in common and different things
too. I like trying new things like the First Nations did. I learned about my history and past. I know how to help someone out when they are
afraid. I think that we need to go out all year and invite
other students to come.
It is an honour to
walk around the
land of the Coast
Salish. I continue
to learn every time
I head out into
nature. Thank you
to our parents and
guardians, to Mark
Albany and Jim Young , Nella Nelson and Ken
Andrews and teachers for continuing to support our
Full Circle Back Pack Club!
With deep gratitude,
Mitchell – Youth & Family Counsellor
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 11
Esquimalt High School
Students making drums with Nuu-chah-nulth
Artist James Swan:
Esquimalt High School now has an official
Aboriginal Department!
The team will continue to meet every 2nd week and
that includes all teachers teaching Aboriginal
courses; EA’s: John Harris, and Diane Sam;
Songhees Student Facilitator, Charlotte Charlie;
school administrators; and representative from
Songhees Nation, Butch Dick; the Esquimalt Nation,
Terry Copenance; and the Victoria Native
Friendship Centre, Desiree Holmes; and Nella! The
team is huge and awesome!
Courses offered First Semester:
First Peoples English 12, taught by Gail
Higginbottom, Secwepemc Nation
First Peoples English 10, taught by Barbara
Mitchell-Pollack
First Peoples Science 10, taught by Dave Ashurst
First Nations Studies 12, taught by Michel
Tomasino, Mohawk Nation
Junior Aboriginal Leadership, taught by Sarah
Rhude, Mi’kmaq Nation
First Nations Art 9/11, taught by Omdrea Walker
Wrestling Team highlights:
From coach, Mike Thompson: all the boys have
trained very hard so far and have had great results.
In the first tournament of the year - Johnny Sam,
from the Songhees Nation got a bronze, Caleb Obey
got a bronze, Devon Lepine, from the Songhees
Nation took gold, and Carlton Cochran took gold.
They have another tournament in Cowichan this
Saturday so we'll have to wait to see how they do
there but they are off to a really promising start.
Left: Carlton Cochrane Right: Caleb Obey
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 12
Youth Empowerment Workshop:
Intertribal Health came to Esquimalt High with a
team of helpers to deliver a youth empowerment
workshop. The team consisted of Nora Antoine,
Violet Elliott and Kim Erickson. The workshop
included students both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
youth, and at least 40 attended! This was an
informative and healthy workshop addressing the
impact of colonization, residential schools, healing,
and youth-centered leadership. It followed
traditional protocol and bridged education between
the school and the community!
Grade 12 student, Katie Raven George-Jim, from the
T’Souke Nation is a grade 12 leadership student
extraordinaire! She does everything around the
school and is also a Challenge Program graduate this
year! Some of the highlights of her leadership: Cops
For Cancer fundraising, mentoring with younger
students in leadership, organizing Christmas parties
for less fortunate in the community and is very
involved with all school dances, including meeting
DJ’s and organizing in-dance activities/games!
Mike Smith, from Pacheedaht Nation and Leighton
Lepine, from the Songhees Nation delivered Anne
Tenning’s Aboriginal veteran’s speech to the whole
school at the Remembrance Day assembly. The two
boys practiced and rehearsed and delivered the
speech with strength, compassion and pride!
Jessica Freele, from Cowichan Tribes participated in
the Digital video workshop in Tofino and shared her
video with her peers in FP English 12 with a strong
voice and pride in her work. It was an awesome
achievement and inspired the class to try this as a
project in the course for this semester!
Cameron Ritchie, from the Metis nation, has enrolled
in the LYNC program, a dual credit program with
Camosun College!
Mat Tom, from the Songhees Nation is playing on
the Junior Boys Basketball team, 2nd year in a row!
Also, Charlie Joseph, from the Songhees Nation is
on the team, coming every day and working very hard
as well! Coach Adams had all kinds of positive
feedback about their dedication!
Che Spetter from the Metis Nation is an emerging
self-directed artist; His abundance of pencil
sketches are incredible! Che hopes to pursue a
career in game design and he is artistically well on
his way!
Brendan Oliver, from the Metis Nation is playing
Field Lacrosse and Box Lacrosse. He has played in
about 15 games this year to date, and they are
currently in 2nd place in the Tier 1, Victoria Titans
Division!
Colonist Cup Winners
Devon Lepine,
Team Captain
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 13
William George, Songhees Nation: William has
become our go-to student to create posters of
upcoming events! He is taking the Business
Education course; he is keen, dedicated, and
talented!
The following Esquimalt students were a part of
the Super G Club (all had excellent comments on
their report cards):
Meara Ayotte
Cavan Bates-Meyer
Catherine Begin
Madeline Begin
Che Brown
Emma Dewit
Shlan Flett
Terrence George
Acacia Hooker
Random Leblanc
Bailey Legare
Collete Martin
Katie McPherson
Loghin Mikkelsen
“I feel more connected to my grandmother, she taught me and my mom a lot about our heritage. I am proud to be Coast Salish. When can we come back again and learn more. This is exactly where I want to be.”
Student Comment
Keep up the good work everyone!
Life is Like a Box of Crayons By Kelly McLeod
Metaphors can be used to describe my life to a
box of crayons. All the beautiful colors represents
my feelings. The protective paper surrounding the
crayon representing my families’ protection over
me. The drawings the crayons make becomes the
representation of how I view myself and how others
view me. Crayons describe my life so well. My life is
a box of crayons.
A box of crayons have all the colors in the
rainbow and all the colors in-between. The bright
colors made me happy. When I was a young kid they
were the only colors I used. As I grew older I
realized life wasn’t filled with rainbows and
sunshine. This reflected in my drawings became full
of darker colors. Although I thought I had grown
out of crayons I still use them with the kids I
babysit. Now the colors on paper have become the
perfect balance of bright and dark. Asides from
the colors, crayons also have a protective paper
covering their precious colors, like parents
protecting their kids. As the crayons paper
becomes worn and used, the paper just gets in the
way. It is torn off. Not all crayons need to have
the covering anymore. Sometimes right after
ripping off the paper, making it look abused, I wish
I had just left it the way it was. Even though the
crayon will never look new again it is still able to
draw all the same.
The thing about crayons is they are made of a
lumpy bumpy wax. My only wish was to make a
perfect drawing, but the wax would never let me. I
think of myself as a drawing, were I may never be
the master piece, but people would be proud to hang
me up on the fridge. As I grew up I realized that
people were expecting greatness from me only my
best. I came to love that waxy material that gave
the drawing character.
My life can be described so well in crayons.
Each coloring had given an insight in to my emotions.
The protections become unneeded each time the
crayon was used; just like the protection my family
gives me. The character that the wax can give to an
imperfect but very much loved piece of art. Crayons
allowed me to find my way through life, sometimes
without even realizing it. Throughout life I have
found balance, always wanted but not always need
security and have come to terms with the fact that
I’m not perfect, but loving me anyway.
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 14
Collaborative Song Bryton Smith (Ahousat Nation) and
Jason Paul (Songhees Nation)
Going out to get this education, life can be a celebration, but we don’t gotta drink, we gotta stop & think
about it. Drinking aint the way, we can get through another day without drinking. All im tryna say is lets
prove to everyone that we can break the chain. Lets show them our true native pride, lets show them our
creative side. Lets take back our native culture, after we do that we can get a better name for us natives,
this isn’t gonna be easy, it isn’t a game. Residential schools hit all us natives hard I know, but its all in the
past, we can come together & make everything better. We can make it through the stormy weather; all we
gotta do is one. Lets get those teachings from the old ways; always respect women, family comes first, take
care of the ones you love. Time To Rise Above
What the Residential School Did To Us Was Unfair. They Abused Our Elders Without Any Care. But Us
Aboriginals Got Something You Don’t Native Pride! We Stand Strong We Stand Together Stand Side By
Side. Some Of Our Got Traumatized Cause Of Residential. The Devastation Was To Much To Be Handled.
Our Language Is Dying, Culture Is Going Keep It Alive, If We All Stand Together Our Pride Will Stay Alive.
Native Pride Is All We Got Don’t Let It Die Keep The Culture Going Language Alive It All Can Be Revived. We
Don’t Want To Be a Dying Race, An Empty Space, Don’t Wanna Be A Tribe Without A Name. Bad Enough We
Got Racial Slurs Against Our Name, We Got Some Racist People Tryna Put Us To Shame. Time To Stand Up
Fight Back Well Em We Had Enough, If We All Stand Together Than We Can Rise Above
Lambrick Park Secondary
During the first two months at Lambrick Park
Secondary, we have focused on relationship building
between our Aboriginal students and our Aboriginal
post-secondary partners. We have invited
representatives from the University of Victoria and
Camosun College to share information regarding
Aboriginal student support systems at the post-
secondary level.
We wish to thank the Office of Indigenous Affairs,
University of Victoria and Aboriginal Education and
Community Connections, Camosun College.
Thomas Thompson, Vice-Principal
Mt. Doug Secondary
Mount Doug Secondary hosted its second annual
Open House for Aboriginal Students and their
families on November 29, 2012. It was a great
evening for those in attendance. We would like to
thank the following people: Nella Nelson for coming
to speak at this event. Her stories, knowledge and
program information were well received by our
students and parents; Tsawout Nation Elder John
Elliott for drumming, singing, storytelling and for
sharing his words of wisdom; Paola Bell for her help
and guidance with this event, support with door
prizes, program updates and her presence during
this evening; Joslyn’s mother Rodrina for making
bannock to accompany our dinner during this event;
Mount Doug Principal Shawn Boulding; all the
families, students, and staff who were in attendance
contributing to a wonderful Open House experience.
Our hope is to continue with this new tradition of
bringing together students, parents and staff in the
Mount Doug community regarding Aboriginal student
success, achievement and graduation. Should you
have any enquiries, feedback or suggestions please
do not hesitate to contact Tammy Reid at
[email protected], 250 477-6977 or C. Paul Thomas,
Aboriginal Counsellor at [email protected].
Happy New Year
Submitted and written by: Tammy Reid & C. Paul
Thomas
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 15
Spectrum Community School
Congratulations to
Lauren G., who won
the outstanding
achievement award
for "Acting" for her
work in the film 'The
Tribe' at the 2012
Eyelens film festival
in Victoria on the
21st of April, 2012.
S.J. Willis Education Centre
Continuing Education: Traditional Teachings
Project
This project started
with my multi-
generational and multi-
ethnic Grade 12 class
expressing enthusiasm
for my proposal that
we explore Aboriginal
traditional teachings
with Anishinaabe elder
and traditional
teacher, Louise
Milburn. On the first day, the entire class
drummed and sang with Alternative Education
staff, students and Louise. Following that, they
sat in a circle in the All Nations Room and
listened to Louise as she opened with a drum and
prayer song, and shared traditional teachings and
stories in the oral tradition. The teachings of
the Medicine Wheel were about looking inward at
one’s life with honesty. Through this inner
reflection students were encouraged to look at
both healthy and unhealthy cycles in their own
lives and within their communities, so that they
could be instruments of change in this time of
healing. The students interacted orally with
Louise and each other as they explored new
experiences, ideas and information. They also
incorporated new perspectives and
understanding into their own thinking.
The English 12 students experienced an ancient
traditional form of healing while they lay on
yoga mats and Louise sang and drummed over
them with songs that were
over ten thousand years
old. Some of the students
were brought to tears by
this experience. Louise
shared that she was taught
by her late elder, Calvin
Sault, that there are three
ways of healing: crying,
shaking, and yelling.
Sometimes these healing songs will bring forward
a release. Several students later visited Louise
individually seeking further knowledge and
understanding in the “healing room”.
The following week, the students interacted and
collaborated in pairs and groups as they made
traditional Ojibway shakers. This hands on
activity required that they initiate and share
responsibilities, listen actively and contribute
ideas and support the ideas of each other. One
of the adult African students spontaneously
broke into song, while trying out her shaker, and
the entire class eagerly joined in. The Aboriginal
spirit and joy was very much alive in the room!
On the final day, the students
drummed, sang, spoke and
shared a multi-national pot
luck celebration. This took
place in the All Nations Room
where the students returned
to the circle to share their
personal learning and
reflections and to express
gratitude for this experience.
Judith Reid spoke to the
group about the recent Elders Project at SJ
Willis and offered each student a copy of the
published book. Students were eager to receive
this and appreciated her
contribution to the circle. Janice McEwen, Teacher,
Continuing & Alternative
Education
“As a student with a Coast Salish background, the opportunity to experience First Nations culture and traditions with my classmates was very special. This sharing of cultures brought us closer together and we formed a community.”
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 16
S.J. Willis Education Centre
Alternative Education
This year in the S.J. Willis Alternative Education
program we have seen a wonderful increase in our
Aboriginal population and are now blessed to have 61
Aboriginal students from various Nations. Our focus
continues to be healing: through culture, through
music, through the arts and storytelling, through
traditional forms of healing from around the world,
(i.e. Pranic Healing) and through academic successes.
We’ve been very busy drumming and singing songs in
the hallways each morning, and at weekly community
meetings. Students are acknowledged at our
community meetings for their academic work,
cultural participation, the arts (art, music, visual and
performing arts), and participation in various school
trips and activities.
We have several musically talented Aboriginal
students this year who entertain us with their guitar
playing. We’d like to acknowledge both Nate
Walters (shown on left),
and Stephen Livingstone
(shown top right) for
their excellence in
playing guitar and song
writing. We would also
like to acknowledge
several of the students
(and staff) who join in
our drumming circles.
We are in the process
of setting up a
leadership experience
for our musicians to
teach their peers and
are looking for guitars to be donated to our school.
We would appreciate any assistance in this area. We
are also beginning Powwow drumming in 2013.
Several of our students
are participating in a
hip-hop group every
week with a former
student, Jonathan
Burnett, who wanted to
give back to his
community and provide
an alternate avenue of
self-expression for our
students. Thank you
Jonathan!
Our “healing room” or
self-care room
continues to be used extensively by both students
and staff. It is a place where students can smudge,
share, learn Aboriginal traditional teachings, lay on
an Amethyst biomat, use the “Chi” machine, and
experience Anishinaabe traditional drum healing with
songs said to be over ten thousand years old.
As in the past, we prepare traditional foods for
smoking (Salmon) and go crabbing. We also make
shakers and medicine pouches and our graduating
students will be making drums. Traditional teachings
are shared with everything that is made.
This year nine of our students attended the “Me to
We” gathering in Vancouver and really enjoyed the
day. They were inspired to make a difference in
their community by fundraising for the United Way
and by collecting pennies to help provide clean water
in an underdeveloped country. In the new year we
are looking forward to participating in a program
called “Sacred Circle” which is a dynamic youth
leadership workshop that aims to educate and
empower Aboriginal youth to make change and
become leaders in their communities. This program
is a three-day workshop.
On November 6th eight students from S.J. Willis
attended the Marine Careers Expo at Naden
Esquimalt Base with Wendy Wimbush, Career
Education & Work Experience teacher. Participants
were able to learn about more than 70 different
career paths that await them in the exciting Marine
Sector including trades, professions and services.
Students interacted with shipwrights, pipefitters,
welders, mechanical & chemical engineers, and Coast
Guard and Navy officers.
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 17
One of our Aboriginal
students in our
Alternative program,
Alexander Taylor
McCallum (shown on
the left), has had an
amazing year. He
started off by
returning to the Gulf
Islands Film and
Television school
(GIFTS) on Galiano
Island for the third
time, spending twelve
days participating in the Aboriginal Media Intensive
Program. To date, he has acted in seven different
short films. He is also the creator of two films, The
Savage Diaries, which won GIFTS’ award for
Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal Storytelling
at the 17th Annual Eye Lens Film Festival last year.
This fall, Alex created, with the help of Rejean
Child, the sequel to the first film, Savagery. He is
going to start a Blog where he can showcase his
visual art, as well as his music and film.
Equally as exciting is a retreat that Alex attended in
early November in Tofino. The focus of the retreat
was Digital Story Telling. Alex was sponsored by the
Victoria Native Friendship Centre, and spent the
weekend in Tofino with approximately thirty
Aboriginal youth from the island. The youth spent
the weekend with elders who shared stories about
their lives. They were also taught by an elder and
medicine person about traditional medicines. Alex
was gifted with medicine that is often given to
singers, which he continues to use today. In his
words, he felt like he started “using his voice in ways
that he never has before.” All of these experiences
led up to the major project of the camp: a photo
project that youth will create about themselves and
their experiences as aboriginal youth. We will be
waiting with excitement to see what Alex does with
his project.
Written in collaboration with several S.J. Staff
We Day Participants
Pranic Healing Participants
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 18
Students in Action:
UVIC Mini Summer Camp 2012 Participants:
Brittany Wilce, Grade 8, Shoreline
Jason Paul, Grade 8, Shoreline
Terrence George, Grade 9, Esquimalt
Avery Nelson, Grade 10, Reynolds
Brandon Alfred, Grade 10, Mount Douglas
Katie McPherson, Grade 10, Esquimalt
William George, Grade 10, Esquimalt
Tribal Journey 2012 Participants:
Jessica Edgar, Vic High Naomi Evers, Oak Bay
Kodie Thomas, Esquimalt Patrick Jones, Vic High
Raven Lacerte, Reynolds Ben O’Cheek, Vic High
Connor Stevens, Vic High
Employment Equity Trades Program Participants:
Brody Scheer, Liam Kelly and John Orr all from
Esquimalt High School.
Brandon Shellenberger is a student from Oak Bay
Secondary School. He is a member of the N’amgis
Nation of Alert Bay and also has Norwegian and
German ancestry. Brandon is a team member of the
Vancouver Island Crimson Tide Rugby Team, he was
selected to play on the BC Rep Rugby Team and won
the gold medal in the Inter -Provincial
Championships in Ontario 2012, in addition to winning
the Victoria International 7’s U 14 and winning a
silver medal in the BC Summer Games. In October he
was selected as MVP for the U14 silver rugby league.
Brandon also plays soccer for Gorge during league
season, and was a silver medalist and MVP for the
U14 in the 2011-12 season. He plays First Nations
Soccer with the T -Bird Soccer Club, and he was a
recipient of the Most Valuable and All Star trophies.
He also received his Shoalin Kung Fu Black Belt at
the age of 12.
Brandon Schellenberger
N’amgis Nation
Oak Bay High School
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 19
Upcoming Events:
2013 Vancouver Island Parent Conference
February 23, 2013 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Spectrum Community School
Early Bird Registration by Feb. 1, 2012
For more information visit: www.vipc.ca or email
March 4th UViC Career Fair
The Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Gathering Our Voices 2013 – Aboriginal Youth
Conference
March 19-22, 2013, Penticton, BC
Penticton Trade & Convention Centre
For more information see our website under
Spotlight or email Della Preston at
Indigenous Teacher Education Symposium
March 15, 2013, 8:30 – 3:30 pm
UBC First Nations Longhouse, Vancouver, B.C.
For More information: [email protected]
2013 Indigenous Women in Leadership
May 24, 25 & 26, 2013, Victoria, BC
For more information: contact Marcia Dawson at
Community Connections:
Back to School Picnic The Aboriginal Back to School Picnic was another
outstanding success. Over 700 backpacks, hoodies,
and water bottles were distributed to families from
our community. In addition post secondary students
also received some amazing gift cards. Thank you to
Surrounded by Cedar for hosting and organizing such
an amazing event
ProD Event On the September 17, 2012 ProD day, the Songhees
and Esquimalt Nations hosted a workshop titled,
“Looking In, Looking Out, A Communities Perspective
on First Nations Education”. The workshop was held
in the Big House on Songhees Nation and was hosted
by Butch Dick, Brad Dick and Tom Sampson.
Approximately 375 teachers and school district staff
attended the full day event.
Desirée Holmes
Aboriginal Nations Education Liaison (VNFC)
Hello, my name is Desiree Holmes, I am Okanagan
and Carrier. I grew up in the Lower Mainland. I
graduated from Douglas College in 2011 with a Youth
Justice Worker Diploma and currently just finished
the Aboriginal Youth Internship Program with the
Provincial Government which placed me within the
Ministry of
Advanced Education
in the past year.
With that placement
I have learned a lot
about statistics and
common trends
within the education
system regarding
Aboriginal Students.
Being an Aboriginal
student myself in
the B.C. education
system, I look past the statistics and know the
common issues that Aboriginal students face every
day. I relate, communicate and work well with all
ages of students and their families and I will use my
experience and knowledge to the best of my ability
as the Aboriginal Education Liaison:
acting as an advocate and liaison between the
Greater Victoria School District and Aboriginal
students, parents/guardians, teachers,
administrators and community agencies.
assisting and advising families on educational,
social and school issues.
facilitating the relationship between the home and
the school environment.
directing and assisting students and families to
access those schools, community and government
resources that support the pursuit of education
and career goals.
Desiree can be reached at the Victoria Native
Friendship Centre (250) 384-3211 or at
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 20
Bonnie Quaite
Youth and Family Counsellor (VNFC)
With values and interests in youth empowerment,
support and education, I am excited and honoured to
start as the new Youth & Family Counsellor at the
Victoria Native Friendship Centre.
I am Lkwungen (also known as Songhees) with family
also from Cowichan on my mother’s side and mixed
descent on my father’s side. I grew up here on
reserve and attended several local schools.
Following my passions I completed a Bachelor of Fine
Arts at Concordia University in Montreal and the
First Nations Community Studies Diploma Program at
Camosun.
Keeping connected I came home during the summer
of 2009 and 2010 to work on the Land and Sea
Mural at Ogden Point with a team of youth. From
there I began working closely and extensively with
youth programming on the Lkwungen reserve.
I am proud to be back at the VNFC as I also used to
participate in youth programming and I am
committed to providing outreach services to
students in School District 61 and will also be
working closely with school staff. I truly look
forward to meeting and re-connecting with youth,
families, and community.
Referrals can be made by teachers, principals, school
counselors, parents or youth themselves.
Please contact me for more information or to make a
referral by calling (250) 384-3211 or by email at
Journeys of the Heart
Hulitan Family & Community Services
The Journeys of the Heart Program is now accepting
new participants for the 2012/2013 school year.
As Aboriginal families, we believe that it takes a
whole community to raise a child.
The Journeys of the Heart program helps families
to build and strengthen their child's foundation.
The staff of the Journeys of the Heart program
work with the child and their families (at least one
adult) to determine their child's individual learning
styles to help make learning fun.
We believe that a child's identity is very important
to their self esteem. We believe that children who
have a firm sense of identity do better in school.
Cultural identity is a key part of the Journeys of the
Heart curriculum.
Let's work together and celebrate our Indigenous
heritage while building our children's self esteem
and knowledge base so that they may enjoy their
lifelong learning experiences.
The program is free. We run Tuesdays and
Thursdays for a morning program 9:00 to 11:30am
and an afternoon program from 1:00 to 3:30pm and
siblings are welcome. We are ready, we just need
you.
To find out more about our program or to register
please contact:
Julia Clifton (Early Childhood Educator)
#250 384 9466 Ext: 250
Unity Drummers and
Singers
Sing to Live to Sing
For special announcements people can go onto
Facebook under Unity Drummers.
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 21
Did You Know?
Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils
(VCPAC) has a link for parents/ guardians who need
help advocating for their child/student. Please visit
their website at: www.vcpac.ca/parents61 and click
on Advocacy.
Aboriginal Student School
Completion Rates
% Dogwood Completion
2007/2008 33
2008/2009 37
2009/2010 41
2010/2011 49
2011/2012 53
Aboriginal Student Numbers Sept. 2012:
Total Ab. Students: 1573
Métis: 247 (16%)
Non-status: 399 (26%)
Status Off-reserve: 676 (43%)
Status On-reserve: 220 (14%)
Inuit: 18 (1%)
The 2013 Aboriginal Nations Grad
Recognition Ceremony & Banquet… is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 6, 2013
at the SJ Willis Education Centre.
2013 Student Role Model Calendar
The 2013 Aboriginal student role model calendar has
been completed. So far, ANED has received a total
of $5,500 in sponsorships including Van City’s
contribution of $3,000. Last year a total of $4,200
was raised. Thanks to Pi’yu h’uts stun C. Paul Thomas,
and Paola Bell for all their hard work on the
fundraising campaign and creating another awesome
calendar!
Aboriginal Full Day Kindergarten
Registration for the Aboriginal
Full Day Kindergarten will be
accepted between January 28 –
February 1, 2013 on a first come
first serve basis.
The Aboriginal Kindergarten
Teacher and Aboriginal Teacher Assistant provide a
positive, nurturing environment for Aboriginal
students. Elders, parents and community members
are involved in the program to encourage learning
based on the culture, heritage and history of
Aboriginal people. This is a full-day kindergarten
program that also provides opportunities for non-
Aboriginal students to be involved in the
multicultural activities.
If your child’s fifth birthday is before December
31, 2013, he or she will begin in September 2013.
PLEASE NOTE: Transportation assistance is not
provided. If you have any questions, please feel
free to contact the schools at:
Craigflower at (250) 384-8157
George Jay Elementary at (250) 385-3381
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 22
Curriculum & Cultural Integration
Program Comments 2012: “I noticed a sense of pride and belonging amongst the students – it is difficult to clearly distinguish this through words, it is more a feeling, a sense of energy between the students. This dynamic was also noted by several other adults who came to witness the creating of the shakers. I heard that although the students didn’t all know each other, there was a commonality there. All of them wanted to be part of this cultural teaching.” Teacher Comment – Lansdowne Middle School “I want to share with you that I’m Aboriginal and I’ve been telling my Grandfather about what we’re doing and he cries. I’m really grateful to learn the culture that he could not share”. Student Comment – Continuing Education
“I feel more connected to my grandmother, she taught me and my mom a lot about our heritage. I am proud to be Coast Salish. When can we come back again and learn more? This is exatly where I want to be.” Student Comment – Lansdowne Middle School
“As a student with a Coast Salish background, the opportunity to experience First Nations culture and traditions with my classmates was very special. This sharing of cultures brought us closer together and we formed a community”. Student Comment – Continuing Education
“Oral/outdoor learning works very well for many students who came back to the school with a real sense of accomplishment. Much greater appreciation of Aboriginal resource usage in the local area as well as many clues of Aboriginal use of environment that they can look for in the future. Mark Albany is a master educator.” Teacher Comment – Central Middle School
“I loved the beauty of the forest, the gorgeous trees dripping with moss, the huge cedar tree at the end of our walk and the waterfall. That was a marvelous day for the teacher too! And, what a treat it was to see an eagle eating salmon and two deer walking in the woods! Maybe next time we could see a bear from a safe distance! I look forward to more field trips with you in the future. Thanks so very much.” Teacher Comment – Tillicum Elementary School
Aboriginal Nations Education Division G.V.S.D. Page 23
Aboriginal Nations Education has a Resource
Library located at 556 Boleskine Road We are told that we have the best selection of Aboriginal resources in Victoria,
and we are constantly adding books and videos, as well as specialized materials
for teachers. We are very proud of our collection.
We warmly welcome parents and students, as well as teachers and other
community members to come in and check us out. We have a volunteer Librarian.
Please come round to the back of the building, where ANED has a separate
entrance with lots of parking available.
Our hours are 9:00-am to 4:00-pm,
Monday to Friday .
We look forward to meeting some of our children’s parents & caregivers. Please spread the word
Laura Anderson, Volunteer Librarian [250] 475-4131
Paola Bell, Admin. Assistant [250] 475-4124