We would like to introduce Randy William from the Splatsìn te Secwepémc. He makes bi-weekly visits to the district where he shares a wide variety of activities: story-telling, rattle making, singing, drumming, and other cultural knowledge with Revelstoke students. The enrichment he brings has been invaluable and we are grateful for the time that he shares with us.

Since the fall, we have also had visits with Remey Lacombe, a Sinixt Archaeologist, and Smokii Sumac, an author, poet, speaker, and educator from the Ktunaxa. We are so pleased to have representatives from the Nations of this territory come and spend time with us.

Over the last five years, it has been a priority of the SD19 Indigenous Education department to reach out and build relationships with the Sinixt, Secwepémc, Syilx Okanagan, and Ktunaxa.

On January 25, 2024, Indigenous grade 3 students have been invited to travel to Kelowna to participate in the Winter Gathering, hosted by the Syilx Okanagan Nation. We are very excited about this opportunity and more details will be sent home soon.

District themed programming in November focused on the Fine Arts with school-wide performances by Fusion, and hoop dance workshops for Indigenous students with Jess McMann.

December continues the fine arts theme as we tour the Art Galleries with featured stops to highlight the works of Ric Gendron, Delrée Dumont, and Zuzana Rhia. Each of these works explores a facet of Indigenous histories, cultures, and stories.

 

Winter Luncheon:

We would like to invite Indigenous students and their families to a family lunch gathering on December 14th in the United Church basement from 11:30-12:30. Soup and drinks will be provided for all attendees and transportation will be arranged for students. We look forward to celebrating and sharing with you. Please RSVP to Erin England at eengland@sd19.bc.ca by December 10th.

Indigenous Education Advisory Council (IEAC):

We are reaching out to invite parents to join the IEAC, an advisory body to the Board of Education and Superintendent. Please contact Jodi Wallach at jwallach@sd19.bc.ca if you are interested. Our next meeting is on December 7th.

Limlmtx, Kukwstsétsemc, Su?kni (Thank you in Nsyilxcen, Secwépmc, and Ktunaxa),
Jodi Wallach, Erin England, Lisa Moore, Marlene Krug, Jessica Stewardson

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We have been asked to share the information below with you…

Your Voice Matters!

REVELSTOKE, BC – The way you access care for you and your family is changing in Revelstoke. Indigenous people living in Revelstoke can get involved in planning for this new way of receiving primary care, and now is the time to add your voice. Primary care in BC has historically been delivered by a single doctor or a group of family medicine physicians out of their clinic. A primary care network enhances care by using a team-based approach, often involving allied health professionals such as social workers, physiotherapists, registered nurses, Aboriginal Patient Navigators, as well as family physicians. A primary care network allows for health care professionals to support each other and work to their strengths. Working collaboratively increases a community’s capacity to provide greater access to primary care for people.

Sharing what is important to you and your family’s wellbeing will inform service planning for the Indigenous population in Revelstoke. There are three ways to engage with this work:

1. Fill out a survey. The survey provides important baseline information about the Indigenous population living in Revelstoke. There is a paper copy of the survey available through the Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke (and support to fill it out) or the survey can be accessed online at: https://bit.ly/3PgGG1u
2. Participate in a one-on-one conversation. For folks who may wish to share a personal story about their experiences of seeking or receiving care, trained facilitators are available to engage in a confidential conversation with you. Please contact the Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke to arrange to speak with someone at your convenience: indigenousrevelstoke@gmail.com
3. Participate in a talking circle. Opportunities to participate in a small group setting to offer your thoughts about what is important for you and your family’s wellbeing.

“The opportunity to engage in this work and to more fully understand the health care needs of the Indigenous population in Revelstoke is exciting,” says Indigenous Friendship Society Board Member Lisa Moore. “Through sharing of stories, we can express what is important to the wellbeing of our families.”

Opportunities to engage with this important work will remain open until mid-December. Your voice matters. Help us build health care for you and your family. For further information, please contact the Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke: indigenousrevelstoke@gmail.com

For more information:
Christy Anderson
Syringa Consulting
E: christy@syringa.ca
C: 250-687-1501