NA'TSA'MAHT Indigenous Education | Sooke School District

Visual Territory Acknowledgement- Artist Statement

ÍY, C̸NES QENOṈE ṮÁ- It's good to see you all!

Traditional Territory

Sooke School District acknowledges the traditional territories of the Coast Salish: T’Sou-ke Nation and Sc’ianew Nation and Nuu-chah-nulth: Pacheedaht Nation. We also recognize some of our schools reside on the traditional territory of Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation.

For more information, please see Territory Acknowledgment Information package.

Student Composition

In 2022/23, there were over 1,320 self-identified learners of Indigenous ancestry attending schools in SD62 (9% of the student population). Of these, 1,243 Indigenous learners received funded culture/language and support from the NA’TSA’MAHT Indigenous Education Department. This includes 79 First Nations learners who live in their home community or on-reserve (6% of total Indigenous), 841 who are First Nations or Inuit away from home (or 63% of total Indigenous off-reserve), and 409 of Métis ancestry (31% of total Indigenous). Many learners are self-identified (status and/or non-status) First Nations, Métis and Inuit from regions across Canada.

Sooke School District ensures Indigenous students receive a quality education that fosters a strong sense of pride, confidence and knowledge of their heritage. If your child self-identifies as Indigenous, please complete the following form and submit it to your school secretary.

2022/23 Na'tsa'maht Consent Form

Equity in Action Video Series

Stunning videography and candid moments take you inside our three-part video series in response to Truth and Reconciliation and Equity for ALL students. The 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

One Mind, One Spirit - Equity in Action for ALL students

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

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

Equity in Schools

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 the meaning behind the names for SD62's new schools: Pexsisen Elementary School and Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School.

… 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.

Vision

The following documents demonstrate how Indigenous education is intertwined in every day learning in Sooke School District as well as the processes we took to get here. We value ongoing insight and input from Sc’ianew, Pacheedaht, and T’Sou-ke First Nation, Métis partner groups, and Sooke School District Na'tsa'maht Education Council members who meet regularly throughout the school year.

Contacts

Please phone 250-474-9833 to reach the NA'TSA'MAHT Indigenous Education Department District Office.

Jon Carr	District Principal, NA'TSA'MAHT Indigenous Education
Marlys Denny	District Vice Principal, NA'TSA'MAHT Indigenous Education
Katie Gaetz	NA'TSA'MAHT Indigenous Education Curriculum Coordinator
Lorraine Veile	NA'TSA'MAHT Indigenous Education Education Secretary
Danielle Huber	NA'TSA'MAHT Student & Family Advocate