Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Local students are taking trips back in time with Indigenous elders who are teaching them the old ways.
Rocky Mountain School District is giving pupils many opportunities to work with elders and knowledge holders on how to make pine needle baskets, medicine pouches, ribbon skirts, jewelry, and Wacna (jerky). Students are also learning about traditional government and smudging ceremonies (a cultural practice of burning sacred herbs to create a cleansing, purifying smoke).
“We have really valued this time with elders and knowledge holders and appreciate them sharing their wisdom, knowledge and talents with us,” said superintendent of schools Aaron Callaghan.
In a report to the board, trustees discovered that students visited the Stevens’ property on the Shuswap reserve and learned about pit houses, traditional medicine, sweat lodges, hoop dancing and smudging.
In March, students visited the ?akisq’nuk First Nation and saw the construction of the new band offices. They also visited the Wiyu Lodge where they learned about identity. The day ended with elder Alfred Joseph’s walkabout led by cultural coordinator Eldene Stanley.
An event at Columbia Lake involved an archeological exploration courtesy of elder Laverna Stevens and the Shuswap Band Guardians.
