OUR NEWSLETTER: THE 'AB-ED NEWS ARROW'

To get your copy of the FALL 2009 AB-ED newsletter click HERE.

To get your copy of the SPRING 2010 AB-ED newsletter click HERE.

WHAT DOES OUR PROGRAM OFFER?

Our program offers all students of First Nations ancestry the opportunity to:

ACCESS First Nations Studies 12 course materials;

PURSUE an Independant Language Study for credit in Grade 10 (i.e. Cree, Michif, etc.);

PARTICIPATE in several culturally-based trips and community events;

FULFILL the Transitions program for graduation by volunteering hours within the First Nations community;

OBTAIN information on scholarships and post-secondary funding specifically for students with First Nations ancestry; and

APPLY for Metis citizenship and explore status eligibility.

SOME FEATURES OF OUR PROGRAM

A big DRUM. We drum the first Wednesday of every month at lunch in Room 108. C'mon out and join us!

We have a drop-in ROOM (Room 108) with tea, coffee, a computer, and microwave. All students are welcome to drop in for a visit, to study or socialize, if not they are not in a class.

We offer academic SUPPORT for students wishing assistance. See Mr. Yaz or Jackie for details.

JACKIE, our aboriginal youth worker and family liaison, can be found in Room 108 (across from the counselling centre) Tuesday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Email her anytime at jcole@sd8.bc.ca or call 250.352.5538 (ext. 5465) or leave a message for her in the library.

MR. YASINCHUK (Mr. Yaz) is the aboriginal teacher and can be found mainly in the library (he is also the teacher-librarian!). You can reach him at jyasinchuk@sd8.bc.ca, in his office at 250.354.5400, text him at 250.505.4451 or better yet, drop by the library for a chat.

We have a growing collections of various books, DVDs, brochures, magzines, and other aborigina and cultural RESOURCES. They are available for student use. Just let Jackie know if you are signing something out.

The program owns twelve pairs of SNOWSHOES and we can't wait for the snow!

The spirit of our program is supplied by energetic and engaging young adults, like YOU!

OUR DRUMMING PROGRAM ROCKS!

Our drumming program takes place the first Wednesday of every month in ROom 108. All Ab-Ed students are welcome to join us and sit at the drum!

WHAT ABOUT LAST YEAR?

To check out last year's events click on the 'Activities and Events' page at the top.

DISTRICT ABORIGINAL EDUCATION WEBSITE

Here is the LINK to the SD8 Aboriginal Education website. A great resource!

SINIXT BARTER FAIR 2009

A FRY-BREAD FEAST! 

In celebration of National Aboriginal Awareness Week, the LVR Ab-Ed Department sponsored a ‘Fry-Bread Feast’ in the courtyard on Wednesday, May 20th. Navajo fry-bread is a recognized cousin of traditional bannock. As these goodies were deep fried in vegetable oil and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, business during lunch was very brisk. However, in order to enjoy this delicacy, recipients were challenged to answer a question on local Aboriginal and First Nations knowledge (FYI: the answers were provided on the charts nearby!). Thanks to all the staff and students who dropped by for a bite!

And since so many asked, here’s the recipe for Navajo Fry-Bread

• 3 cups unbleached flour
• 1 tbsp baking power
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup milk mixed with 3/4cup hot water (hot enough so mixed liquid is almost too hot to touch)
• 1 tbsp oil or shortening
• oil or shortening for deep frying (heated to 3600 F)

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir in milk/water mixture and knead briefly with lightly oiled hands until smooth. Rub the remainder of the one tbsp of oil over the dough. Cover and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Pat or roll enough dough to fit in the palm of your hand in a circle about 1/8” thick (at least, a touch thicker is better). Deep-fry the dough in hot oil or shortening for about one minute per side, or until golden brown. Makes 10-12 pieces.

 

BOW-MAKING WORKSHOP

Several students from the Ab-Ed program participated in an eight-session bow-making workshop this winter. From harvesting the appropriate wood to carving the bows by hand using draw-knives, the students were led by local naturalist and outdoorsman, Chris Morasky. Thanks to those students that participated. We will continue with the workshop next winter in order to complete our unfinished projects. A special thanks to Chris for donating his time, energy, and expertise.

 

GETTIN' JIGGIN' WITH IT!

On Friday, May 1st, Grade 9 & 10 PE classes welcomed Métis Jigger, Beverly Lambert, to L.V. Rogers where she put on a ‘jigging aerobics’ workshop. The initiative was sponsored by the LVR Ab-Ed program and Métis Nation BC in an attempt to enhance student learning about First Nations culture in Social Studies 9 & 10. Thanks to the PE teachers, students, and of course Bev Lambert for sharing her time, energy, and boundless energy! For pictures please click on the slideshow below.