Indigenous Focused Professional Learning Day: qʷagə ʔoɬt̓xʷ (Come In)

The expression qʷagə ʔoɬt̓xʷ is an invitation to “Come In,” which is exactly what we were invited to do by Tla’amin Nation for our Indigenous-Focused Professional Learning Day. 

On September 25th, all qSD staff were welcomed into t̓išosəm for a day of learning led by Tla’amin community knowledge keepers, leaders, and staff members. Tla’amin Nation’s invitation to host us on their community lands provided an opportunity to re-orient ourselves to the Nation and gain a more direct and invited view into community life, including how the community has grown and changed, what the Nation prioritizes, and what Tla’amin children and youth experience day to day.

The day began with a community bus tour through t̓išosəm, learning about the Nation’s history, the growth and changes within the community, and the many services, spaces, and initiatives that support Tla’amin people today.

We then gathered for a host protocol and generational panel, hearing directly from Tla’amin people and learning from their experiences and perspectives. We reflected on the fact that our communities have lived side by side for generations, but often times, it has felt like worlds apart.

The day also included learning sessions focused on Tla’amin territory, language, storytelling, and curriculum. We were reminded of how far Tla’amin Nation has come in revitalizing and strengthening language and culture, while also recognizing that there is still a long way to go. This was an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect, and to consider how we carry that learning back into our classrooms, schools, and everyday work.

We are deeply grateful to the Tla’amin Nation for welcoming us into t̓išosəm and for sharing knowledge, stories, teachings, and perspectives with our district. We recognize that learning and relationship-building are ongoing, and we are committed to continuing our work of learning and unlearning, and to advancing truth, healing, celebration, and reconciliation.

čɛčɛhatənapɛšt. We are grateful to you all.