District News
June 2024
Indigenous Family Advocate - Parent Group Events
Stelly's Paint Night and VNFC Fire Cider Workshop
Indigenous Student Recognition Ceremony
Indigenous Education - Pride T Shirts and Hoodies
January 2024
Indigenous Family Advocate - Parent Group Events
Indigenous Parent Night - November
The very first parent group night. There was 4 parents that came together to bead. they each chose between a learning to bead a lanyard or a wristlet key chain, which Tabitha J taught them. Parents were then excited about the group and what the possibilities were as they shared what they would like to do together as a parent's group.
Parents left with their own beading kit so they can continue with their projects at home
Indigenous Parent Night - December
Christmas cookie baking. We met at Stelly's and baked some sugar cookies, double chocolate chip ginger cookies & Hershy kiss pretzels.
Holly Vivier also joined us and taught and shared with the parents all about IEPs. She explained what they were.
What each designation meant. What a meeting looks like. etc. Parents were so happy for Holly joining and felt more equipped to advocate for their child. Parents went home with some Christmas baking and information on IEPs.
Indigenous Parent Night January
Tina took one parent to Victoria Native Friendship Centre to join in with their garden group and to their body salts and sugar scrubs workshop.
It was a great experience to connect with other people at VNFC. They left with a few of their very own body salts and sugar scrubs that they made. They are looking forward to joining in more workshops in the future.
Indigenous Focus Pro D Day Sept 2023
Guest Speaker for the Indigenous Focused Pro D Day was Niigaan Sinclair. He is Anishinaabe (St. Peter’s/Little Peguis) and a professor at the University of Manitoba, where he holds the Faculty of Arts Professorship in Indigenous Knowledge and Aesthetics and is currently Head of the Department of Indigenous Studies. Niigaan is also an award-winning writer, editor and activist who was recently named to the “Power List” by Maclean’s magazine as one of the most influential individuals in Canada. In 2018, he won Canadian columnist of the year at the National Newspaper Awards for his bi-weekly columns in The Winnipeg Free Press and is a featured member of the Friday "Power Panel" on CBC's Power & Politics. A former secondary school teacher, he won the 2019 Peace Educator of the Year from the Peace and Justice Studies Association based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
Holidays at the Saanich School Board Office
June 2023
Indigenous Education Student Recognition Ceremony
June 7, 2023
Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
January 2023
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Orange Shirt Day, Friday Sept 30 2022
Saanich School Board Office Staff
Toronto Raptors - Victoria Skills Session
To celebrate the Toronto Raptors Training Camp happening in Victoria BC, as well as honour the Toronto Raptors commitment to truth and reconciliation, they hosted a community training clinic for Indigenous youth. It was a very high energy basketball skills clinics run by Raptors Development Clinicians. They hosted Indigenous Youth from Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ .
June 2022
June 21, 2022 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
House Post Unveiling At SBO
June 8, 2022 - Indigenous Education Student Recognition Ceremony
Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
January 2022
Orange Shirt Day at the School Board Office - Sept 2021
New Indigenous Support Staff Members
June 2021
June 21, 2021 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrated around the District
Tzinqua Dancers and Drummers at Bayside Middle school
Bayside Middle School
Learning about weaving at Brentwood Elementary
Claremont
ḰELSET Welcome Doug and Kathy Lafortune Figure Unveiling
May Sam Blessing the new Welcome Figure at ḰELSET
Tiffany Jospeh at Parkland
District News
Congratulations to Ashleigh W for completing the Carpentry Foundation Program in December 2020. Ashleigh’s dual credit program was part of her high school graduation plan, earning her the necessary credits to graduate with her Dogwood!
Ashleigh's journey throughout the 6-month Carpentry program was challenging but she persevered through it all! Ashleigh balanced the program's academic rigor alongside a shift to online learning due to the pandemic. She suffered an untimely loss of a her grandmother, and worked to financially support her family. Ashleigh’s positive attitude, mental strength and steadfast work ethic impressed and inspired her instructors, fellow students, district staff and the SIP team!
Upon completion of the Carpentry Program, Ashleigh graduated from Parkland Secondary School. She received many accolades for her positive attitude, cooperative nature and commitment to her own learning. To name a few, she completed the ILC TASK program, receiving the Hardest Worker Award; and competed in the 2020 Regional Skills Canada BC Carpentry competition completing a difficult project. At present, Ashleigh lives at home on the Pauquachin reserve supporting her 8 family members. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all, Ashleigh!
January 2021
Staff Professional Development
On September 28th we hosted Professional Development Day for all SD63 Staff.
Continuing our Learning Journey
Orange Shirt Day
Around the District, schools and the School Board Office staff recognized Orange Shirt Day on September 30th.
SENĆOŦEN Lessons
We are so pleased to be offering SENĆOŦEN lessons to all Kindergarten students as well as Grade 4/5 students at KELSET, Brentwood and Keating this year! HÍSW̱ḴE to teacher Lorelei McEvay for sharing her love of the language with our youngest students.
June 2020
School Bus Registration
Every student who takes a school bus to and/or from school MUST register! For more information and to register please click HERE.
Happy Summer!
The Indigenous Education Department will be closed for summer holidays from July 1 to August 30.
January 2020
Staff Professional Development
On September 23rd we hosted Professional Development Day for all SD63 Staff. The focus of this full-day event was Infusing Indigenous Content Throughout the Curriculum.
We were honoured to have key-note speakers Brad Baker and Monique Gray Smith share their stories and knowledge with attendees.
Orange Shirt Day
Around the District, schools and the School Board Office staff recognized Orange Shirt Day on September 30th.
SENĆOŦEN Lessons
We are so pleased to be offering SENĆOŦEN lessons to all Kindergarten students in the District this year! HÍSW̱ḴE to teacher Lorelei McEvay for sharing her love the language with our youngest students.
In October we held our first of three annual Key People Meetings. These important meetings bring together school administration, Indigenous Education staff and a Key Person (non-indigenous representative) from each school. This meeting focused on how staff will implement the Enhancement Agreement goals at their schools.
We hosted our first of three Indigenous Learning Series in December. Sheralyn MacRae, Aimee Lampard and Melissa Austin shared what is new in SD63 Indigenous Education and highlighted the new staff resource website.
We sent a large contingent to the FNESC (First Nations Education Steering Committee) Annual Aboriginal Education Conference in Vancouver for three days of speakers and workshops focusing on Indigenous education.
SENĆOŦEN Book
We are grateful to be able to provide every grade one student in the District with a free copy of "My Heart Fills with Happiness" by Monique Gray Smith. HÍSW̱ḴE to Linda Elliott for translating the book into SENĆOŦEN for our young learners!
The Indigenous Education Department has a Facebook Page! Like and follow us to stay informed.
June 2019
School Bus Registration
Every student who takes a school bus to and/or from school MUST register! For more information and to register please click HERE.
We were thrilled to honour our Indigenous graduates at a ceremony on June 5th. Congratulations graduates!
Congratulations to Rachel Tarasoff - recipient of the KWANSEN Indigenous Education Scholarship.
Thank you to scholarship donor Carey Newman.
Congratulations to Penina Va'a - recipient of the Young W̱SÁNEĆ Woman Leader Award.
Thank you to scholarship donor Dr. Taiaiake Alfred.
February 2019
Orange Shirt Day
Around the District, schools and the School Board Office staff recognized Orange Shirt Day through a variety of activities.
The Indigenous Education Department has a new Facebook Page! Like and follow us to stay informed.
"Pulling Together"
In December a canoe, carved by W̱ENÁM, Curtis Henry, a carver from Paquachin First Nation and blessed by Tsartlip Elders Skip and May Sam, was unveiled at the School Board Office.
The canoe, carved from a cedar tree that was removed from the grounds, symbolizes all partner groups and stakeholders as a collective paddling together in a canoe towards our Indigenous Education goals and vision for the future.
WE Leadership
30 of our Indigenous Leadership secondary students had the privilege of participating in the ME to WE Sacred Circle over three days in November. This program educates and motivates First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth to make change and become leaders in their communities and is delivered in partnership with community elders and mentors.
Staff Professional Development
In October we held our first of three annual Key People Meetings. These important meetings bring together school administration, Indigenous Education staff and a Key Person (non-indigenous representative) from each school. This meeting focused on how staff will implement the Enhancement Agreement goals at their schools.
We hosted our first of three Indigenous Learning Series in November. Deanna Daniels ran an interactive workshop Reconciliation Begins with Education.
We sent a large contingent to the FNESC (First Nations Education Steering Committee) Annual Aboriginal Education Conference in Vancouver for three days of speakers and workshops focusing on Indigenous education.
June 2018
The Indigenous Education Department will be closed for summer holidays from July 5 to August 30.
W̱SÁNEĆ, other First Nations Métis & Inuit Enhancement Agreement 2018-2023
The 2017-18 school year culminated in the signing of our third Education Enhancement Agreement.
The Education Enhancement Agreement between the W̱SÁNEĆ, other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in the Saanich School District and the Saanich School Board is designed to enhance the learning opportunities and successes for all Indigenous learners. This Agreement operates within the notion of respecting the rights of Indigenous learners to ensure that they receive a quality education in the public school system and meaningful graduation that leads to future options.
The intent of this Agreement is to increase Indigenous student success, ensure a collaborative partnership between the Saanich School District and W̱SÁNEĆ, other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and support shared decision making in support of all Indigenous learners. All Saanich School District employees, W̱SÁNEĆ, other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, students, families, and caregivers take responsibility for the achievement of all Indigenous learners.
You can view a copy of the Enhancement Agreement here.
Our Vision
W̱SÁNEĆ, other First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and families within the Saanich School District will feel a sense of belonging and community connection within our schools. Enhanced by Indigenous student leadership, students will experience greater success through their K-12 education and in transition to their world beyond graduation. With special attention to mental and emotional wellness, students will have the skills and attributes to be strong, resilient and caring contributors to their communities and society beyond.
Indigenous Graduation Ceremony
School District 63 was proud to honour our graduating Indigenous students at a ceremony on June 6th. Congratulations to all of our graduates!
Congratulations Award Winners!
YOUNG W̱SÁNEĆ WOMAN LEADER AWARD $1,000 - donated by Dr. Taiaiake Alfred
awarded to
Meagan J
KWASEN Indigenous Education Scholarship $500 - donated by Carey Newman
awarded to
John E
ME to WE - Sacred Circle - January 29, 30 & 31
30 of our Indigenous Leadership secondary students had the privilege of participating in the ME to WE Sacred Circle over three days in January. This program educates and motivates First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth to make change and become leaders in their communities and is delivered in partnership with community elders and mentors. This was an amazing and life-altering experience for everyone who participated.
Indigenous Learning Series
Saanich School District staff enjoyed Indigenous Professional Development opportunities in January and February.
In January we were honoured to have STOLȻEȽ, John Elliott join us to explore W̱SÁNEĆ history and culture through storytelling and conversation. Participants were able to experience the First Peoples Principles of Learning in action and continued to build their understanding of local history and culture.
In February staff were invited to attend the "Allies & Witnesses: Four Questions that Guide us in Educating for Reconciliation" workshop. This presentation provided an opportunity to explore four key questions that underpin the experience of teaching and learning for reconciliation
Key People Meetings (Education Enhancement District Meetings)
In January we continued our conversation with STOLȻEȽ, John Elliott regarding W̱SÁNEĆ history and culture through storytelling and conversation.
Representatives from all Saanich schools met again in May to provide valuable input into the W̱SÁNEĆ, other First Nations Métis & Inuit Enhancement Agreement 2018-2023 & take part in The Umbrella Lesson.
Indigenous Education Program - Informed Consent
Indigenous Education Services in School District 63 (Saanich) offer various kinds of support for students of Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) Ancestry. Our Indigenous Education Services enrich the educational opportunities for all students. The main focus of our service is to enhance all Indigenous students' understanding of their heritage, their sense of belonging and the personal belief that they can be successful in BC's public school system.
A consent letter will be sent to all students to register for the Indigenous Education Program. Please read this letter, sign it and return it to the school before the end of September. This consent will now follow students through to graduation, when moving to any school in School District 63 (Saanich). If you do not wish to provide consent please send a letter or email to your school secretary before the end of September. If we do not receive a response we will continue to provide your child with Indigenous Education Support.
Community Meetings
In April and May we held a series of five Community Meetings at Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, Pauquachin and Claremont Secondary. These meetings provide an opportunity for community members to meet with Saanich School District staff to provide feedback and guidance for the Education Enhancement Agreement. Thank you to everyone who attended these important meetings.
January 2018
Education Enhancement Agreement Survey - We Need Your Input!
It is time to renew our Education Enhancement Agreement. We are seeking feedback from students, parents/guardians, community, and school district staff to inform the development of our third Enhancement Agreement. This survey will be used to gather information that will help to guide our planning. Please click HERE for a short survey. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Orange Shirt Day
Around the District, schools and the School Board Office staff recognized Orange Shirt Day through a variety of activities.
Learning Series - The Blanket Exercise
On November 1st we welcomed school district and community members to participate in The Blanket Exercise. This learning activity provided an opportunity to explore the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and gave individuals insight into the treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Education Enhancement District Meeting
Representatives from all Saanich School District schools came together this October to explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action. This report was created in order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. During the meeting teachers, administrators and support staff had an opportunity to review the 94 Calls to Action and discuss how to implement them into their school culture and curriculum.
June 21, 2021 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrated around the District