June is Indigenous History Month. It is a time to remember and honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples on these Lands. From the rich and beautiful cultures, languages, music, dance, ceremony to the strong and resilient diversity of thriving Nations across Turtle Island. Indigenous Peoples hold deep connection to the Lands they are from and a long history of Story that connects us to Place. Indigenous History Month is a time to honour all of this.
The quote above is from the SD8 Aboriginal Education May website blog where you can learn more about Indigenous History Month, 2S&LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day. SD8 marks these events as part of a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and to human rights.
My gratitude to the students, staff, education partners and families who promote a positive sense of identity in culturally safe and responsive communities of learning for every SD8 student and every adult who supports learners across the district.
In this report, you can find inspiration in the artwork in Salmo Elementary and read about the athleticism among Redfish Elementary and Hume Elementary students, and learn lessons in storytelling at Blewett Elementary. You can also read about one of the wonderful introductions to kindergarten that happen each spring: the Creston Family of Schools' – Dig Dirt Day at Adam Robertson Elementary.
These are only a few examples of student learning throughout SD8 that you'll find in this month's report.
June is of course an extra special month because the Class of 2025 will walk across stages in the Kaslo, Crawford Bay, Slocan Valley, Nelson, Salmo and Creston families of schools to receive diplomas, scholarships, awards and to celebrate high school graduation with friends and family. This year, a very special group of young adults complete their journey in SD8 and take the first steps toward post-secondary education, into new jobs and careers, or pause to reflect on where they will go next and what they will do in the coming months.
To quote the words of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) author Richard Wagamese,
We are born to create, to build, to dream, to love, to transform.
Congratulations to this year’s graduates, to all learners and to families across SD8.
I wish you a safe and fun summer.
Warmly,
Trish