Indigenous Parent and Caregiver Engagement Session #3

Posted On Tuesday February 04, 2025

Join us for our next Indigenous Parent and Caregiver Engagement Session in-person at the Henry Grube Education Centre or virtually via ZOOM on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 5:30–7:00 PM.

This engagement session will include a presentation from Suzette Prince from Secwépemc Child & Family Services and storytelling with Secwepemctsín Language, History, and Cultural Educator Jackie Jules from Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park.

Attendees can choose a literacy gift – options include:

  • Porcupine by Mike Bowden: Kú7pece (Porcupine) has always struggled with his emotions and pushed his relations away. Kú7pece does not like this part of himself and wants to explore his identity and learn more about himself, his family, and the land. To connect with his relations and his friends, Kú7pece decides to build a gathering place: a c7ístkten̓ (winter home). This is a place he is hoping his relations can gather and learn about each other through sharing stories. However, Kú7pece traps the sun and soon gets distracted by the sun’s heat and light. So much so, he forgets who he is and his purpose. Soon he is trapped too and cannot see that he is neglecting his responsibilities. It takes the sacrifice of his relations and friends to help him realize he was trapped in his own reality. Once he realizes the lesson of the sacrifice of his friends – that they were trying to help him reconnect to his own place and purpose – he uses all his courage to turn away from the sun’s heat and light. Slowly, he remembers his identity, purpose, and responsibilities. In the end, Kú7pece finds himself again and reconnects with his relations to gather to tell stories, learn from each other, and support one another.
  • Chief Goose by Mike Bowden: Kúkwpi7 K̓wsucw (Chief Goose) is the leader of the k̓wsucw (geese). As a leader, he relies on doing things the way his people have always done and does not want to change anything. But his people are not prepared for the long winter and Kúkwpi7 K̓wsucw realizes it is time for him to be a true leader. Following ancient protocols, he first consults the great spirit for guidance and wisdom. Then he begins the journey to lead his people in search for a better place to live during the long winter season. Through trial and error, he learns that listening to others and allowing his people to help him lead is the path to the well-being of the k̓wsucw.  
  • Bear and Coyote by Mike Bowden: Kenkéknem (Bear) and Sek̓lép (Coyote) are both busy preparing for the long winter months ahead. Kenkéknem eats berries while Sek̓lép dries salmon and bakes Bannock. They have always done this separately and do not want to share with each other. However, this year Kenkéknem is curious about what Sek̓lép is doing, and he is also very hungry. Kenkéknem's curiosity and hunger soon get them both in trouble. This forces them to work and learn together to find out how to solve their problem. In the process, they learn through shared experiences and reflect together. They then discover that they have many new stories to share and new ways to prepare food together.
  • The Journey Forward, A Novella On Reconciliation by Monique Gray Smith & Richard Van Camp:

- When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! by Richard Van Camp: This is the story of 12-year-old Dene Cho, who is angry that his people are losing their language, traditions, and ways of being. Elder Snowbird is there to answer some of Dene Cho’s questions, and to share their history including the impact Residential schools continue to have on their people. It is through this conversation with Snowbird that Dene Cho begins to find himself, and begins to realize that understanding the past can ultimately change the future.

- Lucy & Lola by Monique Gray Smith: Lucy and Lola are 11-year-old twins who are heading to Gabriola Island, BC, to spend the summer with their Kookum (grandmother) while their mother studies for the bar exam. During their time with Kookum, the girls begin to learn about her experiences in being sent — and having to send their mother — to Residential school. Ultimately, they discover what it means to be intergenerational survivors.

Indigenous Parent and Caregiver Engagement Session #3

When: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 5:30–7:00 PM.

Where: In-person and on Zoom

  • In-Person: Henry Grube Education Centre, 245 Kitchener Crescent, Kamloops, BC. Refreshments and treats will be provided for guests who attend in-person.
  • Zoom: Virtual attendees will receive an email with the Zoom link prior to the engagement session and the book will be delivered to the school your child/children attend. 

If you are interested in attending, please register in advance here.

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