Indigenous Learning & Culture

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and staff are taking the week to honor Indigenous Week by learning about and celebrating different aspects of Indigenous language and culture. Each class is taking time to build presentations to share with the other classes in the school, our hope is to build knowledge and celebrate.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1b2887de-bc2e-46d0-901c-bbfab2e9b91c?fingerprint=ppb20260617230812" alt="Indigenous Week Learning 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2c966dfd-e968-47ac-9e8f-a8916049c29a?fingerprint=ppb20260617230813" alt="Indigenous Week Learning 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, 150 Mile Elementary, had a special guest - James Cook. James was in today to lend his skill and knowledge in helping our students make their traditional rattles. The extra set of strong hands working the leather, thread and needles was much appreciated by the students. Thank you to Sonya and Irene for inviting James to our school!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2fc0981b-6098-4338-91bb-578f393ebb45?fingerprint=ppb20260519165315" alt="Rattle Making" width="643" height="858" style="width:643px;height:858px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Irene Charley and Ms. Sonya Charley worked on Mother's day cards in Secwepemcstin with many the classes. When they do projects, it definitely works on the children's patience, glad they all managed to finish their Mother's day cards. They all turned out nicely. When teaching they also include the Secwepemc greeting for each class prior to working on projects. Well done!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/90d78610-62c1-4be5-8031-9f514d4763d7?fingerprint=ppb20260506230121" alt="Shuswap Mothers Day" width="514" height="685" style="width:514px;height:685px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With the help and guidance of school Elder Dave DeRose and the generous donation of supplies from of Indigenous Education Council our Grade 6's have built and painted their personal drums! Mrs. Vath's class put significant time and effort into the whole process even learning about the significance of the spirit animals they chose for their drums. Well done to all!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f5c545e1-520a-4e38-9b16-2329511220a6?fingerprint=ppb20260415040004" alt="Drum Painting Craig Munroe" width="487" height="649" style="width:487px;height:649px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Irene Charley and Sonya Charley worked with the students of 150 Mile Elementary to show them the skills and knowledge needed to make traditional Bannock and stew. Students learned how to cut and peel root vegetables safely and how to make Bannock. All the students were rewarded with a small sample of their efforts.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fa354028-817f-4f99-8db8-003e6ce73594?fingerprint=ppb20260318031935" alt="Bannock and Stew1 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/997d3545-cdf4-4fc9-8be9-7f52271f9303?fingerprint=ppb20260318031933" alt="Bannock and Stew2 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Freda Alphonse came to our school today to show our Grade 3 students traditional tea blending practices. Freda took the time to explain the various ingredients and their medicinal properties as well as how, where and when to harvest them. Students were fully engaged and asked so many questions it was hard to fit it all in to the time we had. Thank you Freda!</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e5a3582c-1a10-4aaf-8779-48ac183e6edb?fingerprint=ppb20260301050657" alt="Tea Blending1 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9242eb04-42be-4779-8f38-165caee5aaa3?fingerprint=ppb20260301050657" alt="Tea Blending2 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Elder David DeRose was in this week working with our Grade 6 students making their going away drum. Dave's expertise and assistance in this yearly project is much appreciated and looked forward to by the students.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0eddde76-d8b9-48ee-9ef7-cd9be8e50257?fingerprint=ppb20260216201823" alt="Grade 6 Drum Making2 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bd8ae07e-8002-44d2-a8fd-395160972a29?fingerprint=ppb20260216201823" alt="Grade 6 Drum Making1 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Elder, Mr. Dave DeRose was back in the school completing our drum maintenance lessons with the students. This visit allowed for us to complete the oiling of all our drums, including our newly acquired Pow Wow drum!</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bc3f7757-f828-4ffb-823e-43a33f8bdd5e?fingerprint=ppb20260121233728" alt="Drum maintenance Part 2 1 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8e29940b-4edb-444e-bf53-98e7b84967d2?fingerprint=ppb20260121233730" alt="Drum maintenance Part 2 2 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Elder, Dave DeRose was back in the school working with the students. Mr. DeRose showed the students how to oil the school hand drums while sharing stories of community and trust.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1f98023f-b454-4fbe-8917-627a46dde82c?fingerprint=ppb20251217033752" alt="Drum care2 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f16e6847-e226-4a04-af8b-8be106312439?fingerprint=ppb20251217040511" alt="Drum care1 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile Elementary School Elder, Dave DeRose and special guest David Archie worked with 2 classes on the school Pow Wow drum. Mr. DeRose taught the students of the history and symbolism of the drum, while Mr. Archie focused on showing the students the skills necessary to play the Pow Wow drum as a team.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bbfc1885-9e2c-4480-943e-922f9936012b?fingerprint=ppb20251217035632" alt="131 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3b68655f-040e-4beb-8888-bf3f2e5a4762?fingerprint=ppb20251217033916" alt="130 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At 150 Mile Elementary we held our annual assembly to acknowledge, remember and learn about the significance of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We then, as a school, did an honor walk to signify the bringing home of all the children who did not make it home from residential schools. We concluded the day with some circle activities outside.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6773648f-0da6-42bf-90b9-cb26ae7146a5?fingerprint=ppb20260301055306" alt="Orange Shirt Day2 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ba9f2db8-b6d3-4edc-8d2d-f71fb4dc3f93?fingerprint=ppb20260301055306" alt="Orange Shirt Day1 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Val West and Cecil Sheena from the WLFN Cultural Team shared their time with us to help bring in the new school year with traditional drumming and two songs! Val offered a smudge to all students who wanted to participate. Cecil even did an improve Mighty Mouse drum song that had the students laughing and singing along with gusto!</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f9172ba0-4425-4ef2-bb07-935c9172a4da?fingerprint=ppb20260218214953" alt="Welcome Drumming and Songs1 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6d39baea-faf5-4cf3-b6e2-6df53fb2474d?fingerprint=ppb20260218214953" alt="Welcome Drumming and Songs2 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, on our Implementation Day, we were honored to have David Archie join us for lunch and the afternoon to share his knowledge and Indigenous learnings with the staff. David shared words of wisdom pertaining to sense of belonging, connectedness and local land knowledge that undoubtedly informed staff but also inspired them to start the school year! Thank you David!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b561c94d-a442-47b5-b677-44da1e9a57a6?fingerprint=ppb20260218213403" alt="Medicine Walk Craig Munroe" width="466" height="350" style="width:466px;height:350px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the past week, our students and teachers have taken the time to learn about Indigenous people, their language and culture. Types of learning included the history of talking sticks, bannock making, famous persons, traditional territories and history. Our final acknowledgement of Indigenous Peoples Day was to have all students color an Orange Shirt emblem for Every Child Matters and hang it on the school fence.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e0c8dd09-b713-4876-951c-afaa5b9b9de6?fingerprint=ppb20260218173523" alt="National Indigenous Peoples Day2 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/14c40d40-c5c9-4b2b-8f24-a8673a3ae421?fingerprint=ppb20260218173523" alt="National Indigenous Peoples Day1 Craig Munroe" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Elder Dave DeRose was in today showing the students the process for building a Pow Wow drum. Dave shared many Indigenous stories and legends related to the making of Pow Wow drums. Specifically related to the building of the drum Dave talked about the measuring process for the hoop/ring construction, the types of hides and the sounds they produce and how to string the hide to the hoop. Once the drum is dry, Dave will go over the design selection and painting process.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ee93b434-bb00-4687-a0fd-690637e68ec1?fingerprint=ppb20251217040511" alt="Pow Wow Drum" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d0d87f29-2250-438f-8446-ed4a2347ecb2?fingerprint=ppb20251217040307" alt="Pow Wow Drum" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Mrs. Coulombe's K/1 class, with the help of our two language and culture teachers, Mrs. Irene Charley and Mrs. Sonya Charley, learned a traditional dance.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b8a776a2-acda-4e1d-831f-46e3cb2f77e6?fingerprint=ppb20251217035632" alt="Traditional Dance" width="611" height="458" style="width:611px;height:458px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kukpi7 Sellars visited our school to do a book reading of, "Hockey with Dad," and "Dipnetting with Dad." Kukpi7 Sellars entralled the students with his great story telling skills and shared many indigenous learnings with the students. Thank you to Kukpi7 Sellars and his team, WLFN and to Horsefly and Big Lake Schools for visiting and sharing story time with us.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4bab78cf-13b3-40d4-855d-bd1654c94887?fingerprint=ppb20251217034010" alt="Kukpi7 Sellars Visit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9c22f440-ad9f-4b45-b66e-84d3fb834c61?fingerprint=ppb20251217034828" alt="Kukpi7 Sellars Visit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile had Mr. Dave Derose in today working with several students making drums. Dave has recently adopted the role of 150 Mile Elementary School Elder, we welcome Dave to our school and look forward to him sharing his life learnings in Indigenous language and culture with our students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fe43a644-a37f-4cc4-b032-b98486b3d083?fingerprint=ppb20251217040636" alt="Elder in School" width="574" height="412" style="width:574px;height:412px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Williams Lake First Nation culture team visited yesterday to share some of their time with us. Dannika, William and Valerie shared an honor song, written by Mitchell Dyck, with students and then taught us the basics of the drumming and the singing of the song. WLFN fortuitously brought along extra drums so that more students could learn the drumming. Thank you WLFN for sharing the day with us!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8366c412-bee2-4491-af02-1cf4fe922dae?fingerprint=ppb20251217034611" alt="Learning a Traditional Song" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9848c8c5-c6ea-41a3-b142-9051dd36f769?fingerprint=ppb20251217035031" alt="Learning a Traditional Song" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) hosted Mrs. Coulombe's class at their beautiful Band Office. The tour was designed to help the students learn about the various departments that work in the office. Traditional signing and drumming was included as well as a book reading of, 'Hockey with Dad', by Kukpi7 Sellars.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3c16da2f-4a1d-4ba9-96b9-a303e17d7cb9?fingerprint=ppb20251217033929" alt="WLFN Office Visit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3525d628-842b-4db6-889a-6aa54f005715?fingerprint=ppb20251217033901" alt="WLFN Office Visit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile Elementary has started the Grade 6's making their 'going away' drums. With the help of Irene Charley, Sonya Charley and Gerald Charley students learned the traditional methods for making drums. Once the drums dry, students will be taking great care to paint their drums. Special shout out to FNEC and Grant Gustafson for providing funding and the resources for this great opportunity.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2ce6d5f6-c223-51a1-aa71-1ad08083b81a?fingerprint=ppb20251217033835" alt="0qgzddge.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6df2f633-c1fb-5d36-82e8-7477e7b3f650?fingerprint=ppb20251217034408" alt="jepzgg65.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile Elementary has just received our first of 3 large book orders that are focused on highlighting Indigenous authors and also many Indigenous topics. These books will vastly improve our selections of great literature from Indigenous authors in our library.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c5360abf-00d8-40e4-93ec-3865ae6c9fbf?fingerprint=ppb20251217040218" alt="Indigenous Literacy" width="601" height="450" style="width:601px;height:450px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Building on the popularity of Lahal last year, Mrs. Charley begins the slow but rewarding process of teaching a whole new group of students the intricacies of the traditional First Nations game of Lahal. Always amazed at how fast the students learn the game and participate fully!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f696cd1d-4031-55e0-8d4b-89f730ffd7be?fingerprint=ppb20251217040525" alt="aee1ts6u.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile was privileged and honored to host Secwepemc storyteller and performer Kenthen Thomas to our school for the afternoon. Kenthen shared two incredible stories with our students: one about how Bear and Coyote brought forth day and night, and the other about how Coyote lost his name. Both stories shared themes of sharing, respect and acceptance for our students to take away.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bb907939-b3c2-575d-afc0-71e60236b0c1?fingerprint=ppb20251217035632" alt="w4ox4imb.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 5 students at 150 Mile went on a planned trip to Farwall Canyon and Flats learn about geography, indigenous history as well as traditional plants used in harvesting and the methods used to harvest and store.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d0af8764-ee5f-5368-8baa-7f98d773513c?fingerprint=ppb20251217040307" alt="bgpl1iir.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">100 students from Nesika Elementary School had the immense privilege to visit the WLFN Pow wow arbor for a gathering of well over 500 students and colleagues from SD27. They took two buses and were there for half the day. Students had the opportunity to listen to speeches and bear witness to survivors' accounts. Local community agencies were well represented and students were even gifted with food and items to take home. Thank you Orange Shirt Society, SD27, WLFN and all who helped put together this meaningful event.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/25beaf11-042d-4784-907b-b7fe117d00ca?fingerprint=ppb20251217033808" alt="Orange Shirt day 3" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/867af752-d012-4bcf-acf7-6f81a109f69f?fingerprint=ppb20251217034611" alt="Orange Shirt day 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">150 Mile Elementary was excited to have Val West attend our school to provide a start of school year smudge. Val took the time to explain what the significance of a smudge was and what all the parts of the tools represented. Val walked around the students and staff allowing them to smell the smudge smoke and see the tools and then offered individual smudges to any students and staff that requested.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b75f24cc-c01b-594f-b110-dbb58b082763?fingerprint=ppb20251217035619" alt="z42vjw3x.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b68ee6e7-02b6-5763-9c92-34e8a32e92c2?fingerprint=ppb20251217035619" alt="9pywfdi9.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>