We are anticipating another exciting year of growth and learning in Aboriginal Education

Pro-D: Under the guidance of Wayne Paige and Fred Roland staff learn about teamwork and canoeing.

(ABED). We now have over thirty staff members in our department and every school is getting regular, ongoing support from ABED. Throughout the year we will be providing children of Aboriginal descent with opportunities to enhance their academic performance and/or their knowledge and skill in Aboriginal Culture and Language. These opportunities are provided through special funding that is targeted for Aboriginal Enhancement programs in the schools.

Leadership: Students from Cowichan Secondary teach elementary students about Coast Salish art

The opportunities may include activities such as Hul’q'umi’num’ language lessons, spear fishing, Aboriginal dance, Metis camp, cultural presentations, or other special projects. Sometimes these projects happen with the whole class or school, and sometimes they are extra curricular opportunities for small groups of students. Additionally students may receive enhanced support to help them with challenges they face in successfully completing school. This support may be offered by the Aboriginal Student Support worker at the school, in collaboration with teaching staff.
We will be providing you with newsletter updates about what kinds of activities have been happening. We hope you will participate whenever possible, especially during special events such as Aboriginal Day celebrations, canoe races, dance performances, or the annual Hul’q'umi’num’ contest – the Spuptitul.

Funding for these programs relies on parent consent and self-identification of students. You have already identified your child as Aboriginal (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) and only need to sign and return the attached form if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the enhancement opportunities.

We would love to hear from you if you have questions, comments or ideas that you would like to share. We look forward to a successful year for your child.

Denise Augustine
Vice Principal of Aboriginal Education
daugustine@sd79.bc.ca
250-748-0321 ext 241

‘Ii ch ‘o’ ‘uy’ ‘ul’

Aboriginal Education is a department of School District 79. We are dedicated to improving the success of Aboriginal learners in our school district by working with students, teachers, parents, and administration to support cultural and traditional education strategies for our Aboriginal learners empowering them to excel at their strengths.

Huy ch qu