Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day at qSD

In honour and celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Grade 6 and 7 students from across qathet School District and the qathet region gathered at Tla’amin Nation’s ʔəʔəms ʔayɛ (Our House) on June 17th for a meaningful day of storytelling, song, dance, teachings, and hands-on learning, exploring the rich cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples across what is now known as Canada, including Inuit, Métis, and First Nations, as well as learning about the host Nation, Tla’amin Nation.

Following a welcome, land acknowledgement, and opening celebration song, students were welcomed into ʔəʔəms ʔayɛ (Our House), where they listened to the stories and meaning behind the building’s artwork and carved poles. They were then invited into a circle for drumming, dancing, and song, where they learned teachings such as moving through the circle to the left in a way that follows the heart. Students then moved outdoors to rotate through four interactive stations.

One station featured Inuit games, where students engaged in traditional partner-based activities.

Another station was a choir performance by the intermediate choirs from James Thomson Elementary and Edgehill Elementary, who sang songs centred around themes of hope, connection, peace, and encouragement.

A third station focused on Tla’amin Nation archaeology and snacks, offering students the opportunity to explore local artifacts and try traditional foods such as bannock, candied salmon, herring eggs on kelp, and pickled sea asparagus.

The fourth station featured Prairie teachings led by Métis knowledge keepers, who generously shared their Métis history, identity, and culture, focusing on tipi teachings and protocols. 

We are deeply grateful to the Tla’amin Nation for welcoming students across our district and the qathet region to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in such a special space, ʔəʔəms ʔayɛ (Our House). We are also deeply grateful to the qSD Indigenous Education family, Tla’amin Nation Elders, the Tla’amin Nation Education team, staff, and community members, and the Métis knowledge keepers who helped bring this day full of learning, connection, and celebration to life.