The 3rd Annual Day of Sucwentwecw (acknowledging one another) was celebrated in School District 73 on Thursday, April 7.
The Day of Sucwentwecw is an initiative in SD73 that acknowledges the Secwepemc and Nlaka’ Pamux Nations, their traditional territories and histories.
The theme for this year was “Identity through Storytelling”, which is based on the following First Peoples Principles of Learning:
“Learning is embedded in memory, history and story.”
“Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.”
The day was marked by the hosting of assemblies in all district schools. Each school had the opportunity to invite an Elder or representative from the Aboriginal communities within this district to be part of their assembly.
Barriere Secondary School hosted the event locally, with students from Barriere Elementary and Neqweyqwelsten School in Chu Chua attending. The students from Neqweyqwelsten School provided a drumming performance as part of the presentation in the gymnasium. Afterwards all of the students had the opportunity to enjoy a piece of bannock.
In addition to recognizing and honouring the Traditional Territories and the People on whose territories we live and work, the theme of “Identity through Storytelling” provided an opportunity for all schools to recognize and learn about other First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultures and their unique contributions to Canadian society.
All schools received a Day of Sucwentwecw resource package, including a special edition of the “Secwepemcw News”, resource booklets with grade-appropriate lesson plans and activities related to the theme. The lessons and activities were developed to be flexible and fit within a variety of learning outcomes in the B.C. Curriculum.
The Simpcw First Nation Band Education Department oversees the Neqweyqwelsten School within School District 73.