Our year-end trip to Victoria was a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic year. Upon arriving in Victoria we were greeted by a number of sassy peacocks in Beacon Hill Park. They were intent upon eating our sandwiches, and managed to terrify a few of our students, but they left hungry. We visited Beacon Hill Park petting zoo where we saw pigs, alpacas, and of course baby goats. We loved seeing our students transform into wide-eyed kids ooh’ing and ah’ing over the baby goats.

Chinatown was a big hit for students, too, and we navigated the narrow Fan Tan alley and explored the various shops and their dizzying array of oddities.

We went to Young’s Chinese Restaurant for dinner, not really knowing what to expect. We ordered 2 ‘Family of 6’ meals. It was an obscene amount of food. After eating the first of 8 dishes (spring rolls and wontons) Tabitha remarked “Is that all the food?” That was not all the food. They continued to bring out plate after plate. At first we felt jubilant, then overwhelmed, and then just embarrassed. But it was a delicious meal, full of laughter and lively conversation. Students went home the next night with many leftovers.

Our tour of the Royal BC Museum First Nations exhibit was excellent, led by our extremely knowledgeable guide Leslie McGarry, from the Kwakiutl First Nation. She shared her extensive knowledge of BC’s First Nations and led us through the stunning collection of art, artifacts, and other displays. Many of our students were proud to see their nations represented in the museum. Leslie packed in an incredible amount of learning into one hour. Thank you Leslie!

All in all, the trip was a complete success and the culmination of all of our adventures throughout the year. Our students were a joy to spend time with and conducted themselves responsibly and with respect. Nala’atsi was well represented in Victoria!

And on the bus ride home the Bobbie Bailer Bus was full of tired but happy students. And Chinese leftovers. Many leftovers.

This year at the annual SD 71 Aboriginal Recognition Night we recognized three exceptional Nala’atsi students: Tabitha Clark, Kaycee Williams, and Desteni Hardy. Tabitha was recognized for outstanding personal growth, her consistently excellent attitude, and her willingness to take risks and try new things. Kaycee was recognized for maintaining an excellent balance between school & outside interests and passions – like dance and mountain biking – for always coming to school with a positive attitude, and for exemplary participation and attendance. Desteni was recognized for her impressive knowledge, experience, and leadership in cultural activities this year, which included mentoring younger students. She was also recognized for the dramatic improvements she’s made this year in terms of work habits and attendance. Well done everyone!

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon the Nala’atsi crew headed to Camp Gilwell to rebuild the Sweat Lodge that we had constructed all the way back in November 2017. Guided by everyone’s favourite Elder-in-training, Daryle Mills, we started by gathering young Alders and a few hours later had erected a picture-perfect Sweat Lodge . The following day students and staff participated in our second sweat of the year. It was another beautiful spring day, and we felt privileged and honoured to have this opportunity to immerse ourselves in culture. Thank you Daryle!

It was a brisk, stormy Monday but our students braved the elements (& did not complain about the weather or being wet and cold once) for a fascinating and informative workshop about traditional K’omoks fishing weirs, led by the wonderful Lynn Swift. We learned about traditional fishing techniques for salmon and herring, as well as the history of the weirs and how they were used. Emmylou also had a nice time prancing about the beach. Thank you Lynn and Lelaina for an informative & enjoyable afternoon!

On a surprisingly sunny Thursday the Nala’atsi crew headed to Parksville in the Bobbie Bailer Bus for an action-packed (and often highly comical) afternoon of mini-golf at Paradise Fun Park. It was a really enjoyable day full of laughter and good times. Bobbie’s team ended up winning by literal decimal points. Well done Bobbie’s team!

 

On February 27th, Nala’atsi student Marion Dawson was recognized as the Rotary Club Student of the Month. Marion was chosen because of her excellent work habits, her generosity and kindness towards students, staff, and visitors, her political activism and cultural engagement, and her commitment to her community and family. Well done Marion!

Upon learning that the Comox Valley Art Gallery was hosting a very cool photography exhibit, the Nala’atsi crew headed to the CVAG for the afternoon. The exhibit was thought-provoking and well executed, and we appreciate the friendly staff opening their doors to us (even when they were technically closed). Thank you CVAG!