Indigenous Dept
Ey Swayel, West Heights Indigenous Families!
Spring is officially upon us, and I couldn’t be more excited for all the fun
activities we have planned in/at “The Nest”. If your child hasn’t already told
you, Thanks to the help of our Elder and Halqemeylem teacher Malila we were able
to have our Indigenous room in the school named “Tesq’ Mila” this translates to
“The Nest” in English.
Since returning from winter break “The
Nest” has been a busy place! We as an entire school participated in National
Ribbon Skirt Day. Students designed their own ribbon skirts, made some beautiful
artwork and we had great discussions about our sense of Cultural pride and
celebrating diversity. With the upcoming “Elderbearry Day” The students have
been learning about gratitude and respect for our Elders while creating cards
and elderberry keychains out of purple and green beads, which they will deliver
to elders in our community on an upcoming field trip.
On Wednesdays in the gymnasium, we have
been holding “traditional pow-wow dance” lessons on a drop-in basis and it is extremely
heart warming to see the level of excitement and participation. I look forward
to our year end social where our learners will show off all their new cultural
skills!
Our staff and students are extremely excited
for the “West Heights Cultural” day coming up on February 22nd! Any Indigenous
students able to volunteer for before school set-up on this day is greatly appreciated.
(See Ms. Nicole to sign up)
As always, if there is anything I can do to support our Indigenous families, Or
any questions you may have – please reach out at any time. Nicole.Harvey@MPSD.ca
“With a good mind and a good heart, anything is possible.” – Gr 6 WHE Student.
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WEST HEIGHTS INDIGENOUS DEPT
At West Heights we are proud of the Aboriginal programs that are offered to all of our students. Some examples include Girls and Boys Club offered for Intermediate students, Technology Thursdays (where students work on laptops and IPADs). There are many opportunities to participate in activities such as soap stone carving, beading, making dream catchers or Metis jigging. If your child has Aboriginal ancestry, please let the office know. We are also excited that the opportunity to learn Halq'emeylem has expanded from two to four primary classes this year. For more information on the District's Aboriginal program, please visit http://aboriginal.mpsd.ca/
