Elements Ceremony

The Laurie Middle School Elements Ceremony was held once again this school year, bringing together students and staff for a celebration of culture and community.  The event featured powerful drumming from the Sookenai Singers and impressive grass dance performance by Dreyden W.  In addition,  Joe Pierre spoke about the importance of the elements and their deep symbolic and cultural traditions.  Laurie Middle School students and staff are divided into four house teams representing the four  elements -  ʔa·kinq̌uku (fire) ʔamak (earth) Wuʔu (water) and ʔa·kuʔmi – and will take part in a series of challenges throughout the year.

Yoho National Park

Indigenous Leadership groups from Mount Baker, Laurie Middle School, and Parkland Middle School along with District elders and staff recently embarked on a memorable field trip to Yoho National Park located within the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa  ʔamakʔis.

The trip offered students the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, waterfalls, and forests while deepening their understanding of the land’s cultural and ecological significance.  The tour was led by Ktunaxa Nation Members Dean Nicholas and Levi Soles. 

During the visit to Raven’s Nest Campground students participated in hands on learning about salmon fishing traditions and the importance of salmon to indigenous communities.  Presenter, Hilary Vance shared stories how salmon once thrived in the waters of the Columbia Lake. Students learned how through the impacts of dam construction and environmental change, salmon populations were destroyed in the region, a loss that deeply affected the ecosystem and the people who depended on it.

The trip inspired student to reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship, reconciliation, and a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge.