The Day of Sucwentwécw (Acknowledging One Another) is an annual initiative unique to the Kamloops-Thompson School District. Held on April 7 each year, Day of Sucwentwécw recognizes and celebrates the Secwépemc People (Secwepemcúl’ecw) and other Indigenous people residing within Secwépemc Territory.

This year’s Day of Sucwentwécw theme, "Wenecwtsín – Speaking Our Truths," is based on the First Peoples Principles of Learning and Indigenous Worldviews and Perspectives. The day provides an opportunity for schools to deepen learning and reflection by embedding the First Peoples Principles of Learning and addressing the Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

On April 7, 2026, schools across the district celebrated and honoured Day of Sucwentwécw through a variety of meaningful activities, including school gatherings, storytelling, drumming and singing, school displays and student artwork, shared meals, video messages from local Elders, learning on the land, lessons in local Secwepemctsín, and classroom learning connected to Indigenous ways of knowing, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and this year’s theme of Speaking Our Truths. 

Beattie Elementary started the day with a school-wide gathering that included a personal land acknowledgment from Principal Andrea Mangell, a welcome video from Elder Jackie Jules, the Welcome Song, drumming and singing led by Ms. Baglee (Indigenous Education Worker) and Ms. Dunstan (teacher), and an oral Coyote story shared by Ms. Dunstan. When sharing the purpose and meaning of Day of Sucwentwécw, Principal Andrea Mangall shared, “It’s a celebration day where we are appreciating, honouring, and enjoying Secwépemc culture.”

During the gathering, students shared feather artwork they had created with messages reflecting how they are strong and courageous. The student-created feathers will be displayed throughout the school so students can see the many ways their classmates show strength and courage. At the end of the gathering, Ms. Dunstan spoke her own truth, sharing with the school that she became a teacher to help others learn about Indigenous peoples in positive ways and to celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and learning.

Rayleigh Elementary spent the day focused on gathering, reflection, and sharing. In February, staff participated in an Indigenous-focused professional learning activity led by teacher Trudi Nielsen, during which they created posters about a person who nourishes their souls. Recognizing the powerful learning opportunity this activity created, staff adapted the experience for classroom learning. Students created posters in the same style, highlighting positive influences in their own lives, and took turns sharing with one another. This authentic learning experience allowed students to truly speak their truths with their peers.

Westsyde Elementary gathered the entire school to honour the Day of Sucwentwécw through a day of engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Under the leadership of Indigenous Education Worker, Brittany McCleaf, with support from Indigenous Education Teacher Lead, Emily Chretien, the school community came together to celebrate with a variety of culturally rich activities. In the gym, students learned about and participated in Powwow dancing, gaining a deeper appreciation for the significance of this important cultural practice. Throughout the school, activity stations invited creativity and learning as students explored keychain beading, created ribbon skirts and shirts, and completed a pit house craft to learn about traditional dwellings. Students also participated in Sky Battles, an active movement game that encouraged teamwork while connecting to cultural teachings.

Westsyde Principal Joanne Leggett shared, “It was a wonderful day of learning, reflection, and celebration. We are grateful to everyone who helped make these experiences possible and for the opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture within our school.”

South Kamloops Secondary School incorporated Day of Sucwentwécw learning throughout the school day. Staff were provided with resources and prompts to support classroom conversations connected to their curricular areas and this year’s theme. At lunch, students from the Indigenous Council led cultural activities in the gym, where students and staff engaged in Lahal, also known as the stick game. At the end of the school day, the entire school gathered outside on the field to connect, reflect, and share experiences from the day.

SKSS Vice Principal Brian Tommasini shared, "Today is a day for all of us to celebrate the land we’re on, learn together, and celebrate Secwépemc people and culture. Our goal was to have all staff and students contribute and celebrate in small meaningful ways throughout the day in order to create a meaningful learning experience for all.”

Each year, as part of the Day of Sucwentwécw celebrations, a district-wide poster contest is held to select a design that represents the annual theme. This year’s winning design was created by Jane Deelstra, a Grade 5 student from Arthur Hatton Elementary School.

Jane shared about her poster, “My poster has a swan hunting in a lake while the sun is setting. I chose the sunset because it makes me feel calm. The swan represents being respectful and supporting others. Speaking your truth can help others by connecting to the same thing they are going through. Some ways I speak my truth are by supporting others and being honest. When you are truthful to others, it helps them be truthful to you.”

In addition, each year the Indigenous Education Department writes a children’s book for schools that aligns with the annual theme. This year’s book, Sqwyits (Rabbit) & Sqlelten7úw̓i (Salmon) — A Story of Courage, written by Brenda Celesta and illustrated by Jordan Celesta, is available for schools to read and download here.

Day of Sucwentwécw is one of several important initiatives supporting the District’s Cultural and Identity Development Strategic Priority. By visibly acknowledging and celebrating diversity within learning environments, the day creates opportunities for students and staff to increase awareness of cultural safety, cultural humility, and identity, with the goal of fostering spaces where every learner feels safe and is able to thrive personally and culturally.

Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration