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Indigenous Education Updates

April and May Newsletter for Parents and Caregivers

Indigenous EducationUpdatesApril and May Newsletter for Parents and Caregivers

'uy' skweyul and happy April/May!


It is with great pleasure we share our newsletter for Indigenous families of the Qualicum School District. We invite you to explore the different opportunities and resources. Likewise, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us!


Katie Marren (kmarren@sd69.bc.ca) - District Indigenous Principal

Sarah Elson-Haugan (selson-haugan@sd69.bc.ca)- District Indigenous Support Teacher

Janine Chartrand (jchartrand@sd69.bc.ca) - District Indigenous Administrative Assistant


If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's Indigenous Liaison Worker or one of the district team.



hay ch q'a

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Toonik Tyme - April 5-14

Toonik Tyme is the Inuit celebration of the return of the sun after a long winter. This tradition started in 1965. Traditionally, the celebratory festivities include throat singing, Inuit games, dancing, and a community feast. "Toonik" is the word for a person that is a member of the Tunniit community.

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Earth Day - April 22

Earth Day is a great reminder about the relationship and connection between all things. The United Nations recognized April 22 as Earth Day in 2009, but knowledge and understanding of the importance of sustaining the world is imbued in Indigenous world views across the globe.
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National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+ - May 5

May 5 is the day of National Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2Spirited. Sometimes referred to as Red Dress Day, this day of memory was created in 2010 out of Jamie Black's (Metis) project REDress.
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Bear Witness Day - May 10

Jordan's Principle is named after a young boy who was born with complex medical needs and succumbed to these complexities at the age of 5. The intention behind Jordan's Principle is to help First Nations children access medical, health, and educational resources. May 10, 2016 is the day that the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal issued the first non-compliance order against the Canadian government.
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Moosehide Campaign Day - May 16

Moose Hide Campaign was created as a grass roots movement to end violence against Indigenous women and children. By wearing the moose hide pin, it is a sign of a persons commitment to "honour, respect, and protect the women and children" in your life.

Student Opportunities

Book of the Month

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You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel


You Hold Me Up is a sweet and heartfelt book by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel. This children's book speaks to the love and joy of family and community.



This book is a great read for all ages, but designed for young children.


Would you like a copy of this book? Email Janine at jchartrand@sd69.bc.ca

Event Information

Indigenous Student Grad and Year End Celebration

On June 6, Indigenous students, families, and caregivers are invited to celebrate the success of their learners. We recognize the learning of all students and honor the Indigenous graduates through ceremony.


More information and details to come!

When?

Thursday, Jun 6, 2024, 04:00 PM

Where?

Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, Jones Street, Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada

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Learning Resources

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Sxwi'em': stories from the hul'q'umi'num' people

This lovely resources is a curated collection of stories, activities, and songs. Stories, shared by hul'q'umi'num' Elders and Knowledge Keepers have been collected and recorded for the use of the public.


A true gift that is free and accessible to all.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

FNHA has wonderful resources to help educate and inspire youth around the use of tobacco. Tobacco is a sacred medicine that can be used in several ceremonial forms. As much as we know that tobacco is a traditional medicine, we also acknowledge that tobacco, when smoked in cigarettes, is a unhealthy choice.


This video can be used in many contexts and is a great access point for a larger conversation about health and well being.

Reconciliation in Action

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Sxwi'em' with Lawrence Mitchell

Lawrence Mitchell, Snaw naw as council member and knowledge keeper, visited Kwalikum Secondary to share sxw'iem' (story) with students. Lawrence opened the class with a song and greeting in Hul'q'umi'num'.


Jolin shared that "many students went home and shared their experience with their families. Great dinner conversations" - thanks Jolin!


Hay ch q'a Lawrence! We appreciate your time and teachings!

Sarah Elson-Haugan
Sarah is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters