Indigenous Professional Development

Our staff is grateful to our community members Cora Tom, Christy Whitiker, and Judy Chilihitzia who joined us for an after-school session on culture and language. Their generosity made this learning experience truly meaningful.

A highlight was learning from our nsyilxcən language teacher, Matty Michel, how to introduce ourselves in nsyilxcən following Syilx traditions, a beautiful way to share identity and connect with the land. We also explored the symbolism behind ribbon skirts and shirts, which have become powerful expressions of identity and resilience. The colors, patterns, and ribbons carry deep meaning, reflecting connections to culture and personal stories.

This session inspired our staff to bring language and cultural knowledge into classrooms, fostering stronger relationships and a more inclusive environment. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible.