our rich aboriginal culture
DESCRIPTION
Sample of aboriginal activities within School District #91 Nechako Lakes.TRANSCRIPT
The First People
Of
Northern British Columbia
Our Rich AboriginalCulture
www.sd91.bc.caCalvin Desmarais – Principal of Aboriginal Education
Number of district aboriginal students approx. 1500
Total number of school district students5678
Approximate percent of aboriginal students26%
Number of First Nations within school district 13
Regional Aboriginal Facts
Lake Babine NationWet’suwet’en First Nation*
Cheslatta BandBurns Lake Band*
Nee Tahi Buhn BandSaik’uz First Nation *Tl’azt’en Nation Band*
Nak’azdli Band*Nadleh Whut’en Band*Stellat’en First Nation*
Takla Band First Nation*Yekooche First Nation Band
Skin Tyee Band
First Nations Within SD 91
*Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Member
Our Rich Aboriginal Culture
Local drum maker teaches elementary students the story of the drum and how to make ne using traditional materials.
Our Rich Aboriginal Culture
The Potlatch is a traditional event where clans gather and celebrate major events in the community such as naming ceremonies as well as deaths. While any particular Potlatch is hosted by one clan, all clans and all ages participate in the dancing, feasting and sharing of gifts. The whole community participates.
Our Rich Aboriginal Culture
The Potlach
Our Rich Aboriginal Culture
Our Rich Aboriginal CultureDrumming is an important part of the traditional life of First Nations people. The drum is used at Potlatches as well as other formal and informal occasions. Drummers and singers are the traditional holders of the songs and the younger drummers and singers learn from the older.
Our Rich Aboriginal Culture
There are certain protocols and traditions that go with the making, handling and use of drums and songs. Many songs are considered sacred and are handed down from clan to clan to clan.
Our Rich Aboriginal Culture
As First Nation communities and schools work together to promote and increase Aboriginal awareness there is also a need for students to learn new things.
Our Rich Aboriginal Culture
The district has been involved in a program with IBM where Aboriginal students were brought together to learn about technology and science. They were able take apart and reconstruct computers to see how they worked. They also did some basic robotic programming.
The First People
Of
Northern British Columbia
Our Rich AboriginalCulture
www.sd91.bc.caCalvin Desmarais – Principal of Aboriginal Education