This year we held our first Sacred Circle event for grade 9 and grade 10 students. The 3 day event was held throughout Katzie Territory:
- Day 1 – South Bonson Community Center
- Day 2 – Alouette Lake
- Day 3 – Katzie First Nation
Goals of Sacred Circle:
Sacred Circle educates and motivates First Nations, Metis and Inuit youth to make change and become leaders in their communities. The program is delivered in partnership with community elders and mentors. Sacred Circle was designed in consultation with educators from the Department of Aboriginal Education at Nanaimo Ladysmith School District and is based upon Indigenous concepts such as the Seven Teachings and the Medicine Wheel. Our Sacred Circle event was created by SD42, Me to We, elders from Katzie First Nation, and elders from other Nations including our Metis community.
- Increased academic achievement and engagement
- Development of advanced leadership skills, self-esteem and confidence
- Strengthened sense of belonging and community
- Inspiration and support for youth to participate in their communities as leaders
- Exploration and celebration of personal and cultural identity
On day one students, elders Margaret Pierre and Joanne Foote, introduced students to cedar weaving. While elder Cyril Pierre and his son, Trenton Pierre, led the students through a life lesson conversation. We also began exploring the Seven Grandfather Teachings and how it applies to our life choices.
Day two was held on Katzie’s picturesque territory at Alouette Lake. Even though it was cool and rainy, the students did not complain once about the weather. Some of the adults, however, may have complained. Students went on a nature walk where they learned about the trees and berries and we continued building our understandings of the Seven Grandfather Teachings and leadership. A highlight of this day was being out in nature, disconnected from technology and eating a fabulous lunch created by and delivered to us from Stomping Grounds.
Day three had us on Katzie First Nation’s reserve in Pitt Meadows. We continued with our weaving and finished a painting project Trenton Pierre led us through. As well, our learning about leadership and the Seven Grandfather Teachings were further developed. Participants, with the help of our amazing WE Canada facilitators, were able to realize the connections between living a life guided by the Seven Grandfather teachings and leadership.
Over the three days, students gained confidence and skills. Their self-concept as an Aboriginal youth grew as well. Students saw themselves as artists, weavers, environmentalists and as leaders. Ultimately, they saw themselves as even more capable than when they started on our journey together.
As a group, we will gather again in Fall and throughout the year. This will allow us to reconnect and remind ourselves
of our learnings. We all grew through this experience and we look forward to continuing next year with Sacred Circle.
Early in Spring 2019, we will invite a new group of grade 9 and 10 students with Aboriginal ancestry to join us in the journey.
