The front entrance of Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh School in Cedar which is due to welcome students in September 2019. (SD68)

By Alex Rawnsley

WALK IN TWO WORLDS

Partnership forged for operation of new First Nations school

Aug 8, 2019 | 1:31 PM

NANAIMO — A new school in Cedar will blend traditional First Nations teachings with the latest technology.

Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh school will be run in joint partnership between the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District and Snuneymuxw First Nation.

School district board chair Charlene McKay told NanaimoNewsNOW a partnership was not on the table when ground broke in March 2018.

“As Snuneymuxw progressed through the build and then onto the final stages of hiring and having teachers in place to support students, they reached out to us seeking a potential partnership. It’s an honour to work with them.”

The school will focus on traditional Indigenous teachings and be an asset to students across the district.

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“As soon as we have our traditional teachings and ancestral information shared with students, they grow in so many different ways that goes beyond educating what they might need for a job in the future.”

The dedication of time and resources to First Nations teaching is something McKay believed would create more rounded graduates from the district.

“They support the growth of students spirituality and understanding who they are as a person and how they connect with the world.”

District superintendent Scott Saywell echoed support for the partnership, highlighting ongoing reconciliation efforts.

“Embedded in the Syeyutsus Reconciliation Framework is direction to provide ongoing and meaningful learning opportunities for all students, staff and community groups,” he said.

District officials toured the school earlier in the year and it’s expected to welcome students in September.

It will replace the existing Qwam Qwum school in the area.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley