Field trip to Ch'nook Cousins at UBC on January 15, 2014

A Ch’nook Cousins Event will be hosted by the University of BC, and the UBC Ch’nook Indigenous Business Education Department on Wednesday, January 15, 2014. 

The workshop is for Aboriginal youth in high school, who are interested in, or would like to learn more about a future in business.  It will take place at the University of British Columbia First Nations Long House from 9:30 am until 2 pm.  Lunch will be catered.

The purpose of the day is to introduce students to the many opportunities open to them, if they pursue an education in business or management.  Information will be provided about where students can study business at a post-secondary level, what areas of study are available, and what support students can seek while attending college or university.

Field trip to ACCESS TRADES

ACCESS Trades sponsors a broad range of certified trades programs to create a diverse and skilled workforce throughout the urban Aboriginal community. They constantly strive to provide their clients with the best training available. Through their programs, ACCESS clients have embarked on long-term careers that are fulfilling and financially rewarding.

On Friday, December 13, a group from the Richmond School District will be visiting Access Trades to get some more information about their programs.

CAWAC 2013 Award Winners

Sixteen Aboriginal students from our district were named First Place winners of the Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge for 2013.  They were honored at the Richmond School Board Office on October 7, 2013.

Crest Shield Workshops

Students around the district spent time this month creating personal Crest Shields which illustrated their family's animal crest, or a personal animal spirit.  Students enjoyed spending time in community, and learning more about their Aboriginal culture.

Field trip to ACCESS at BCIT

On Friday, December 13, Richmond students with Aboriginal ancestry will be invited to a field trip to ACCESS Trades, a program at BCIT designed to increase training and apprenticeship opportunities in the Aboriginal community.  Departure time from McNair Secondary will be at 8:30 am, and return time will be at 12:40 pm.

Honouring Our Youth

We were so proud of our grade 8 students and their families who attended our transition ceremony last night at the Neighbourhood Learning Centre. Thanks so much to the school teams who attended, and to "Uncle" Shane Pointe who oversaw the night's proceedings.

SFU Mathcatchers Visit Boyd

On Wedneday, October 30, Veselin Jungic (Dr. J.) and his student volunteers, Janelle and Serena, delivered his presentation "Math is Everywhere" to the Combined Studies math class at Hugh Boyd Secondary.  Students learned about daily math applications, SFU, and 3-D modelling, after which they themselves constructed 3-D geometric models.

Mentoring for Aspiring Aboriginal Entrepreneurs.

MentorNation will create an online platform that seamlessly matches business mentors with aspiring Aboriginal entrepreneurs, while providing resources to support mentoring relationships. The project is a one-of-a-kind initiative to support Aboriginal entrepreneurship and build self-sufficiency in First Nations communities across Canada. For First Nations entrepreneurs, especially in remote locations, mentoring support can dramatically increase the chances for business success and economic independence.

Honouring Our Youth

When a child is born, the transition into the physical world is honoured by being wrapped tightly in a warm blanket.  This way children know they are loved and protected and that they matter.  When children transition into the teen years, we want to honour them and remind them that they are loved and protected and that they still matter.  Throughout the transitions in life, it is important to remind people that they are loved and protected and that they matter.

All Grade 8's with Aboriginal ancestry, and their families, are invited to join the Richmond School District and a respected Elder for a community ceremony, and feast on Monday, November 4, at the Neighbourhood Learning Centre, at 6800 Azure Road, in Richmond, from 6 pm - 8:30 pm.

Please RSVP to Ms. Andrea Davidson at adavidson@sd38.bc.ca, or (604)668-6107.

Aboriginal e-mentoring

Aboriginal e-mentoring is an online program that connects Aboriginal youth with mentors in post-secondary programs across British Columbia.

Mathcatchers from SFU is coming to Hugh Boyd

A team of mathematicians from SFU, with a focus on Aboriginal math education, is coming to Boyd to offer students a hands-on math experience on Wednesday, October 30 at 9:40 - 11:20 AM.

Upcoming School Workshops Sponsored by the Support Services Department

Upcoming shield workshops are hosted by the Aboriginal Support Services Department.  The purpose of this workshop is for students to positively engage with their culture by learning more about their family history, creating a Crest Shield, and fostering relationships among students with Aboriginal ancestry.

The Crest Shield is a beautiful work of art illustrating the family animal crest or a personal animal spirit. In order to prepare for this workshop we invite students to research their family crest.  At the beginning of the workshop, students will be invited to do a short visualization picturing in their own mind one animal they want to represent on the shield. They will then use a stencil to paint that animal on leather and complete their shield with feathers and beads.  The last part of the workshop is a sharing circle during which students get to meet one another.

Workshops:
McNair, October 30. (for students from McNair, McRoberts, MacNeill and Cambie)
Boyd, November 7. (for students from Boyd, and McMath)
Palmer, November 14.  (for students from Palmer, Richmond, Steveston-London, and Burnett)