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.
SD62 ‘House of Learning’
Lellum (HUL'Q'UMI'NUM' Language) or Á¸LEṈ (SENĆOŦEN Language)
2023-24 school year:
Total of 1,350 Indigenous Learners (Self-identified)
- 920 are First Nations
- 415 are Metis
- 15 are Inuit
- 1,238 received Indigenous Culture & Language programs
If your child self-identifies as Indigenous, please call your school secretary and let them know. After you have self-identified, please complete the Indigenous Education Program consent either online or by printing out the Consent form below and returning it to your school.
Click here to download the latest consent form for the 2024-25 school year.
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
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.
- Pacheedaht Signed LEA
- T’sou-ke Signed LEA
- NA’TSA’MAHT ENHANCEMENT AGREEMENT 2022 – 2027
- SD62 2016-2021 Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement
- Na'tsa'maht Education Council Meeting Schedule
- NA'TSA'MAHT Enhancement Agreement Report June 2023
Enhancement Agreement
The NA’TSA’MAHT Enhancement Agreement is a five-year working agreement developed by our school district, all local Indigenous communities and partners, and the Ministry of Education. The goal of the agreement is to maintain and enhance our collective ownership in order to improve the success of Indigenous students, create safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments, and provide learning opportunities based on the First Peoples Principles of Learning for all students, staff, and communities.
Department 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 |