Embedded Files
Art by Connie Watts, Nuu-chah-nulth
EMCS would like to acknowledge the Coast Salish Territory of T’Sou-ke Nation, who have been gracious enough to share the beautiful land on which EMCS is built. We would also like to acknowledge the relationships that EMCS and the District have with T'Sou-ke Nation, Scia’new Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth: Pacheedaht Nation, and Métis Nation of Greater Victoria. We are grateful for their guidance.
HÍSW̱ḴE, Kleco Kleco, Marce, Gilakas’la, Thank You
“Na’tsa’maht: being of one mind, one spirit. Together, working side by side, supporting each other, walking together. Good mind, good spirit for the good of our children, for the good of Mother Earth sustaining us.”
– Elder Shirley Alphonse
The NA'TSA'MAHT Education Department bases our educational practices around the following principles:
· Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits and the ancestors
· Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational
· Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions
· Learning involves generational roles and responsibilities
· Learning recognizes the role of Indigenous knowledge
· Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story
· Learning involves patience and time
· Learning requires exploration of one’s identity
· Learning involves recognizing that some knowledge is sacred and only shared with permission and/or in certain situations
EMCS NA'TSA'MAHT Education Department provides the following:
Qualified teachers who can help you get the credits needed for graduation.
An academic focus linked to classroom learning.
Strategies required to be successful in the classroom.
Instruction using the “Aboriginal Way of Learning” and learning styles for your particular needs.
Help with transitions for courses, programs, and post-secondary education.
Cultural resources include books, kits, lesson plans, history books, and role model speakers that support classroom sessions, curriculum, local history, and culture.
A website that keeps you up to date on our events.
Curriculum-orientated field trips for all members of a class.
Cultural events that connect our students and their families with each other.
A Graduation Recognition Ceremony for our students and their families.
Our department is here to help you by providing the academic and cultural tools for success.
CENQOLEW – THE DOG SALMON RETURN TO EARTH (September)
The Dog Salmon return to the Earth Moon at this time. The colours are Dog Salmon (ochre red). The men are returning the bones of the salmon to the sea, with thanks, in the belief that the bones will come to life and replenish the salmon stocks. The man raises his oar to show honour and respect to our relative, the salmon, who helps us survive.
CONNECTIONS AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
September derives its name from the Latin word ‘septem’, meaning seven. This was the seventh month in the Roman calendar when the year began in March. This moon marks the arrival of the Dog Salmon.
WEATHER
The rainy weather continues and the winds have become unpredicatable. The creeks and rivers rise enough for the Dog Salmon to spawn.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Hunting for deer and groups was still ongoing. This was also the best season and weather conditions for cod fishing. Dog Salmon were the last of the salmon runs to return and the Saanich Peoples carried out this fishery at Goldstream. Dog Salmon was easily dried or smoked and was the last of the preserves to be stored away. The Langford area was excellent for cranberries, blueberries and grouse hunting.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
If the salmon run was late, the SNAM (spiritual leader or priest) was brought in to hold a ceremony to call the salmon. The SNAM would also advise the family captains of the correct protocol to adopt so that they would not offend the Salmon Peoples and thus ensure that the salmon returned to the rivers.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
This is a time for preserving foods. Do you preserve or can any foods in your family?
What Fall celebrations do other cultures celebrate?
The Saanich People give their salmon bones back to the sea in thanks. How do you give thanks in the fall?
With reference to the water cycle and personal observations of rivers and creeks, discuss the effects of rising water levels in creeks and rivers on communities.
If possible, go to a local river, like Goldstream Park and see the Salmon spawning.
What is the lifecycle of the salmon?
Report abuse