Day of Sucwentwécw 2026

The First People’s Principles of Learning are incorporated into the content of the BC Curriculum, as are the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action which call us to “integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.”

The Day of Sucwentwécw (Acknowledging One Another) is an annual initiative held on April 7 each year, to recognize and celebrate the Secwépemc People (Secwepemcúl’ecw) and other Indigenous people residing within the Secwépemc Territory.

This year’s theme, "Wenecwtsín - Speaking Our Truths," is based on the First Peoples Principles of Learning and Indigenous Worldviews and Perspectives. This is an opportunity for all schools to continue to embed the First People’s Principles of Learning, and to address the Calls to Action as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The day will be marked with a focus on the concept of gathering and presentations of learning in all district schools. There are a number of resources provided to teachers, including videos, some of which are posted below. 

 Jackie Jules (Secwepemctsín Language, History, and Cultural Educator) - Introducing the Day of Sucwentwécw - Clleq̓melt.s ne xqweltén, ckwném̓ten ell le tsúwet.s le q̓yéses

How to Say "Day of Sucwentwécw"

 Bernice Jensen - Introduction to the Welcome Song

"The Welcome Song is our Secwépemc Song that is sung all over the Secwépemc Nation," said Bernice Jensen, Cultural Education Coordinator with the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society.  "It welcomes all of us; it welcomes the people, welcomes Mother Earth and welcomes our ancestors.  The beat of the drums are the heart beat of the nations coming together strong and powerful.  It’s part of our ceremony and helps us connect to the creator to offer prayers of healing and to give thanks to all.  All My Relations."

 Day of Sucwentwécw - Welcome Song

"In addition to our students performing the Welcome Song, our students had an opportunity to dress up in beautiful regalia and moccasins," said Rae Bennett, Indigenous Education Worker. "In the Secwépemc cultures, only certain pieces of regalia were displayed while dancing to the Welcome Song. All the girls wore yokes, long skirts, leggings, moccasins, and accessories. Their hair accessories had feathers and beads that matched their regalia. The boy dancers each wore vests and moccasins. The drummers and singers wore the Secwépemc colours of the medicine wheel - black, white, red, and yellow."

Day of Sucwentwécw 2026 Poster Winner

As part of the celebration, a poster contest is held across the District to choose a design that will represent the theme of the year. This year’s poster contest winner is Jane Deelstra, a Grade 5 student from Arthur Hatton Elementary School. Their artist statement is below:

My “Speak your Truth” 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 could help others by connecting to the same thing they are going through. Some ways I speak my truth are supporting others and being honest. If you are truthful to others that helps them be truthful to you.

Posters from Past Years

2025 Poster	2024 Poster	2023 Poster
2022 Poster	2021 Poster	2019 Poster
2018 Poster	2017 Poster

Sqwyits (Rabbit) & Sqlelten7úw̓i (Salmon) - A Story of Courage

Each year the Indigenous Education Department writes a children's book for schools to use that aligns with the chosen theme. This year, the book is called Sqwyits (Rabbit) & Sqlelten7úw̓i (Salmon) - A Story of Courage written by Brenda Celesta and illustrated by Jordan Celesta.

Download Sqwyits (Rabbit) & Sqlelten7úw̓i (Salmon) - A Story of Courage PDF here.