Stunning videography and candid moments take you inside Sooke School District's three-part video series in response to Truth and Reconciliation and Equity for ALL students. The video series is reflective of the local Coast Salish and Nuu-Chah-Nulth voices and features a variety of reflections on education in the past, present, and future.
Sooke School District encourages each citizen to embrace a journey to pursue a personal understanding of the 'true' history of Canada and to contribute collectively to the 94 Calls to Action. This is important work and leads to deeper conversations as we strive towards equity for all students and parity of success for Indigenous students.
“Reconciliation includes anyone with an open mind and an open heart who is willing to look into the future with a new way” – Chief Robert Joseph
Video 1: ONE MIND, ONE SPIRIT - ’EQUITY IN ACTION’ for ALL Students - LIVE LAUNCH JUNE 10, 2020
Featuring Elder Shirley Alphonse, Elder Bill Jones, Chief Chipps, Chief Planes, and Elder Bertha Landrie. Introducing video series slogan ‘Na’tsa’maht ‘one heart - one mind’ we believe in equity for all.’
“Na’tsa’maht means... being of one mind, one spirit. Together, working side by side, supporting each other, walking together. Good mind, good spirit for the good of our children, for the good of Mother Earth sustaining us.” – Elder Shirley Alphonse
Equity IN ACTION - LIVE LAUNCH NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Featuring school district dignitaries' insights on the Sooke School District’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and equity. Listen to Elder Earl Claxton Jr., Superintendent Scott Stinson, Trustee Ravi Parmar, Principal Kathleen King, Associate Superintendent Paul Block, Elder Henry Chipps, and Elder Jo-Ina Young share insights about Indigenous pedagogy.
”…the school district needs help from the Indigenous communities. We can’t expect them to do this on their own…we need to get in there and help…that is what the elders are doing….education isn’t just words- it’s actions, being creative…” - Elder Jo-Ina Young, Métis Nation of Greater Victoria
Video 3: EQUITY IN SCHOOLS - LIVE LAUNCH NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Featuring authentic voices about why equity is important in Sooke School District. Listen to personal perspectives from Elder Henry Chipps, Songhees Nation Elder Butch Dick, Tiffany Adams, teacher, Rebecca Frost, Savory Elementary parent, Scott Stinson, superintendent, Ravi Parmar, trustee, Chief Russell Chipps, Chelsea Marle, teacher, Rafael Roper, Port Renfrew Elementary student, Pam Jones, Pacheedaht Nation, Courtney Simcoff, teacher, Stephen Frost, Savory Elementary student, Paul Block, Associate Superintendent, Indigenous valedictorian graduates 2019 – 2020. This video introduces Sooke School District new school names Pexsisen and Centre Mountain Lellum.
“… this (Principles of Learning class) has made a huge difference – not just for Stephen, but to the whole family.” - Rebecca Frost, parent
Video Series Development:
The video series was produced by Arnold Lim, videographer. Sooke School District lead team: Kathleen King, District Principal and Paul Block, Associate Superintendent. All voices shared ‘unscripted’ comments for authentic perspectives. Filming began in April 2020 and was completed for Non-Instructional Day, NID ‘Indigenous’ themed day on November 20, 2020. Hych’ka Kleco Kleco Marsee for all contributions.