As the Saanich First Nations new year dawns, Sooke school district will celebrate Aboriginal student success.
The event tonight (Feb. 27) will celebrate aboriginal students successes from throughout the school district.
Student work from more than 940 students of all ages, including include poetry, writing, artwork, aboriginal-themed projects, will be on display.
“It’s really important to connect with our families, all our families,” said Kathleen King-Hunt, principal for aboriginal education. “It’s really important that we’re together, doing things, having the opportunity to celebrate and be proud of the accomplishments that (school district) 62 is continually generating within our First Nations communities.”
The theme this year is the First Nations new year, which brings the wexes, meaning the moon of the frog and the sacred season.
“So we’re celebrating the new year,” King-Hunt said, “the new beginning, getting ready for finishing off a good year at school and looking back at all the great work.”
Along with the displays, the event will feature performances by aboriginal hip-hop group New Addiction and oral storytellers plus visits by local chiefs and elders.
There were also be an early learning station for younger ones and a traditional tea table, a first for the event. Food will also be provided, including wild salmon tarts.
The public is welcome to the event tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. at Spencer middle school, 1026 Goldstream Ave.
The First Nations grad will happen May 25 at Camosun College.