The Nala’atsi Lahal Team had its first practice this Thursday, under the capable guidance of David Dawson & Lelaina Jules. Lots of smiles and lots of laughter, but don’t let that distract you – this year we will be a force to be reckoned with! There is talk of inter-district Lahal games, maybe even tournaments. Stay tuned!
Nala’atsi year-end field trip to Vancouver! Ferry rides, Science World, Aqua Bus, pirate ships, Granville Island, Theatre Sports Improv Night, counting Teslas (Clayton counted 61), and a fantastic tour of the Museum of Anthropology. An excellent finale to what has been a really great year at Nala’atsi!
Over the course of two days the incredible Lelaina Jules guided a number of Nala’atsi students through the process of smoking salmon. Our students filleted and brined the fish on Monday, and then prepared the smoker and helped keep the fire going at the right temperature throughout the day on Tuesday. The smoked salmon turned out brilliantly (although it wasn’t finished until after school had ended so Rory had to sample it all by himself). Thank you Lelaina!
So proud of our Nala’atsi students who were recognized at the Indigenous Education Recognition Ceremony this Wednesday. Congratulations Clayton Akoluk, Mino Lynxleg, and Hannah-Lynn Watson!
Yesterday the Nala’atsi crew headed over to Hornby Island for an action-packed day at Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre. Alex, our fearless leader, guided us through a kayaking trip along the tranquil & stunning Tribune Bay. Afterwards, many of our students summoned the courage to scale the high ropes course, while the rest of us looked on in horror. Heart palpitations aside, we’re really impressed by our students’ ability to push through their fears & their willingness to try new things. Thank you Tribune Bay for a fantastic day!
On Monday, April 15th the lovely Kindle Dion led Nala’atsi students, staff, and some of our favourite Elders (Hazel, Karen, & Maureen) through an introductory pottery workshop. We learned several comical pottery terms and a number of pottery techniques, and we all had a blast making our own pottery creations. Check out the photos below for said creations (in their early stages). Thank you Kindle, Hazel, Karen, and Maureen for a really enjoyable afternoon!
Nala’atsi students had a fantastic time learning about Cedar and its significance in Indigenous cultures throughout the Pacific coast. Nalaga led students though an incredible workshop, and by the end of the day everyone had created their own Cedar bracelet. Thank you Nalaga!
Nala’atsi Student Minoquan Lynxleg is the February 2019 Rotary Club Student of the Month! Minoquan is being recognized for his excellent work habits and commitment to his studies, his outstanding attendance and athletic achievement, and the enormous personal growth he’s made this year. Congratulations Minoquan!
On February 19th we visited our neighbours at Courtenay Elementary and were led through a tour of the powerful U’mista “Project of Heart” and “Speaking to Memory” exhibits. Nala’atsi favourite Lelaina Jules introduced the exhibits during our morning circle, and Courtenay Elementary ISW Holly Douglas provided more valuable information when we arrived. Thank you to Lelaina & Holly for guiding us through these exceptional exhibits!
On December 12th we packed into the Bobbie Bailer Bus and headed south for a visit to the VIU Natural History Museum, joined by Nala’atsi favourite Lelaina Jules. After checking out the museum (and its array of taxidermied wonders) we visited Shq’aphthut Gathering Place, where students got a taste of campus life. And what would a trip to Nanaimo be without a visit to Mrs. Riches restaurant? We enjoyed a couple of obscenely large burgers and ate way too much (who could’ve predicted that???) followed by a quiet bus ride home.
