News Stories

The grade six students all got to spend a great day at Central Elementary School to participate in the Traditional Games event. Tim Manuel spoke about how the event started in the district several years ago. The conversation started in the want and need to show who we are as Indigenous people as part of Truth and Reconciliation. Games such as knobby ball, high kick, spear throw, rock throw, hoop jump were able to showcase skills once needed to be able to contribute to community by hunting/being a warrior, and these games emphasize those skills.

On April 9 Nicola-Similkameen Indigenous Education Department honored the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who support our students across Nicola-Similkameen. Their presence is a gift—grounding our schools in language, culture, values, and lived experience that can’t be found in a textbook. Knowledge keepers help our students know who they are, where they come from, and how to walk with confidence in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds. 

The Winter Celebration was held on January 29, marking the second consecutive year that the event has taken place indoors during the winter season. This format has received considerable positive feedback from both teachers and students. Approximately 1,000 students from all elementary schools in Merritt and Princeton, as well as local band schools, participated in the celebration. The inclusion of the band schools was particularly appreciated. Students had the opportunity to learn about and observe various styles of dance, including hoop, fancy, traditional, jingle, grass, and chicken.

• Raising Digitally Responsible Youth
• Parent / Caregiver Resources

The Grade 9 Youth Conference on November 6, organized by our ISA team was a huge success. It took place on the NVIT Campus. A big thank you to NVIT for the use of their amazing space. 

We were fortunate to have Buzz Manual as our Keynote Speaker. He offered an opening prayer, drum song and closing remarks. Buzz is an Upper Nicola Band Member and is a Sport, Recreation and Cultural Specialist in our community. We are always so pleased to invite local community members to our events.

The day consisted of 4 breakout sessions where the students got to learn from: