On August 27, 2018 participants from around the province had the opportunity to explore the importance of oral stories and traditions within the Secwepemc culture (PowerPoint Resource link can be found here).  We started our day in the Assembly Hall, where Tk’emlups Councillor Rosanne Casimir welcomed us and shared a welcome song. The administrator of the First Nations Education Council, Judy Dunn, then addressed the group and shared the important history of the space. Kenthen Thomas and Roxane Letterlough immersed guests in the tradition of Aboriginal storytelling by sharing techniques, protocols and connections to family.

Later in the morning, participants toured the Heritage Grounds with Karen Aird and learned more about local plants, ethnobotany, pithouses and Secwepemc culture. Museum Educator, Jackie Jules, took guests through the Secwepemc Museum and the Residential School, sharing the history of the Kamloops Residential School.

In the afternoon, District Principal of Aboriginal Education, Mike Bowden and Library Coordinator, Andrea Wallin welcomed the group back from lunch. School District #73 Teacher-Librarians Nicole Gorman, Melisa Hunter, Kristin Bond and Rick Rhynolds shared their innovation grant project: Transformational Storytelling with Loose Parts. Participants ended the day by learning how to make pine needle medallions with local artisan, Wendy Leonard.

Such an inspiring day of learning, connecting and reflecting does not happen without the hard work of a dedicated team of educators who were willing to give up countless hours to plan and deliver the experience. The BCTLA would like to thank the Kamloops Teacher-Librarian’s Association for an amazing Summer Institute experience!