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Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration

At the centre of the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan is the hearthfire—a symbol of gathering as a District community in ceremony, song, prayer, and studies that help students and staff to understand Indigenous peoples’ histories, perspectives, and experiences.

On June 21, 2024, the Kamloops-Thompson School District recognized National Indigenous Peoples Day to honour the cultures, contributions, and histories of the Indigenous Peoples. Each year, this day features cultural celebrations and educational activities in schools as well as in respective communities across Canada. Honouring this important day is essential for fostering reconciliation, enhancing educational awareness, and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous peoples.

“On National Indigenous Peoples Day, our schools and District take part in this special day by honouring the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities.” shared Mike Bowden, District Principal of Aboriginal Education. “This also shows our commitment in working toward fostering an educational environment that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding and respect for all.”

Students, teachers, and staff across the District were encouraged to participate in school-based activities and community events. The majority of schools started the day with the Welcome Song and land acknowledgements followed by cultural activities throughout the day.

Each school recognized National Indigenous Peoples Day in their own unique way. Some schools offered Indigenous dance and drum making lessons, poetry reading and storytelling, land-based activities and nature walks, bannock and chili lunches, making and learning about pictographs, Lahal activities, and more. Schools also planned field trips to Riverside Park to participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations and community activities.

Barriere Elementary celebrated the week by unveiling their new school mosaic—a partnership with Neqweyqwelsten School with themes of reconciliation and connection. Read more here.

Juniper Ridge Elementary spent the week recognizing Indigenous Peoples Week, starting on Monday with a local walk in the community to collect sage and identify medicinal plants and wrapping up with a bannock lunch on Friday. The week also contained several other learning activities including string games, beading, drumming, storytelling, and an Indigenous artist visit and workshop.

Kamloops School of the Arts honoured the week with an Indigenization project in their outdoor courtyard, walking field trips, and some secondary classes visiting the Shay Paul Art project on display at the Courthouse.

Many projects and learnings inspired by National Indigenous Peoples Day will carry on into the future. Norkam Senior Secondary Construction Sampler students have been collaborating with Mr. Cartie's Grade 6/7 class at Dallas Elementary to begin construction of their Indigenous garden. On June 21, the Grade 10–12 Sampler students worked with the Grade 6/7 Dallas students to build three garden beds to plant Indigenous plants at the entrance to the school. The students were so engaged and excited working on the project that one student named River expressed, “even though this isn't a field trip, I think this is my favourite day.” The garden is a multi-year, multi-class project working towards reconciliation and decolonization of spaces. The idea for this project began with a story from Elder Jackie Jules about the grasshoppers and the ants, which has inspired many classes to participate and learn about traditional plants.

Gatherings in schools and departments to celebrate and learn about Indigenous histories, perspectives, and teachings help us to enact the District’s core value commitments (relationships/connections, wellbeing, equity, sustainability) and the Seven Grandfather Teachings.