Four Directions Secondary School

Four Directions Secondary School is located in Secwepemcúl’ecw

on traditional and unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people.

Four Directions Secondary School was originally developed as a partnership between the Aboriginal Education Council that represents the 7 bands connected to SD73 and the school district (Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Whispering Pines / Clinton Indian Band, Skeetchestn Indian Band, Simpcw First Nation, Adams Lake Indian Band, Little Shuswap Lake Band, and Neskonlith Indian Band). It is a school within a school under the umbrella of alternative education in SD73 where students who self-identify as having indigenous heritage, and desire a cultural lens for their learning, can select this program for their studies. The program serves 34 students ranging in age from 14-19 and grades 9-12. In many cases, the typical school system has failed to meet the needs of these learners and they present with a myriad of academic and social emotional needs.

This is a multi-cultural program, in the sense that our students often come to us from all over British Columbia, and in some cases even across Canada. Students who choose to attend Four Directions Secondary receive individualized instruction, one-on-one support, and progress through their courses using a self-paced model. In addition, the program infuses Indigenous knowledges, perspectives, and ways of teaching, learning, and assessing throughout all courses offered and through a variety experiential learning experiences. Entry to the program is based on a referral from the student's home school to Twin Rivers Education Centre. Four Directions Secondary School is an academic program taught through an Indigenous lens.

https://twinrivers.sd73.bc.ca/en/our-schools-programs/four-directions-secondary-school.aspx

Secwepemcúl’ecw yi7élye ell, re tmicws re Secwepemc n7élye (Acknowledgement that we are on the Secwepemc territory and land of the Secwepemc People).

Four Directions Secondary School acknowledges that we reside in Secwepemcúl’ecw and we recognize the Secwepemc people as the keepers of their traditions and knowledge.

We acknowledge the Secwepemc Nation, upon whose traditional and unceded land Four Directions Secondary School and the Community-Led Learning Program is located (Secwepemcúl’ecw). We are grateful for the Secwepemc Nation’s generosity, leadership, teachings, and support while we live, learn and teach in their territory.

This site was created by Courtney Bruin as her Master of Education Capstone Project through Queen's University. Courtney is honoured to learn, teach, and live on the unceded territory of the Secwepemc Nation, specifically the territory of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc People.
Courtney would like to acknowledge and thank the team at Four Directions, and especially thanks the program coordinator and teacher, Jordan Smith, for her incredible determination, dedication, and partnership. This project and learning journey would not have been possible without Jordan, the students at Four Directions Secondary, and the numerous school and community supports and partnerships,.
This website incorporates documents and graphics developed by Courtney Bruin for the Master's program and previously presented or submitted in other forums. Unless otherwise credited, the embedded documents are authored/created by Courtney.
Please feel free to contact Courtney (cbruin@sd73.bc.ca) or Jordan (jorsmith@sd73.bc.ca) with any questions regarding the school program.