—_ baie News by Valorie Lennox The Review The first-ever native schools conference held in B.C drew 370 delegates from around the prov- ii ince for three days of workshops at TLauWelnew tribal school in Bren- twood last week. Conference coordinator Denise Sam said registration was limited to 300 but demand was so high that 370 delegates were eventually admitted to the conference. “We had people from outside B.C approaching us to attend the conference as well,” Sam said. Entitled A Vision for the 90s, the conference was a first step in establishing a network between | the 100 native-run schools in the province. 1} Sam notes there are is a high percentage of native-rin schools in || the province. Some of those schools shut down completely to ensure their entire staff could attend the conference. “That's how important it was,” Sam said. The LauWelnew school’s 183 students had two days off while the tribal school’s classrooms were used for presentations and work- shops. Topics included teaching and preserving native languages, : __ administration of schools, parent involvement, teacher’s contracts and integrating native cultural pro- grams in the provincial curricu- lum. For First Nations’ children, the native-run schools offer a chance to attend school with others from the same cultural and socio- economic background, LauWel- new principal Loretta Hall explained. Children gain increased self- confidence and esteem, she noted. Sam said the local youngsters attending the school are especially proud of their beautiful school, which was largely built by mem- bers of the Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tsey- kum and Pauquachin bands. “The children who come to the school, they have a sense of ownership,” she said. “They can feel the good feelings that went in to the school.” The program both maintains provincial curriculum require- ments and preserves the Saanich culture, Hall noted. Classes every moming start with a prayer from a local Elder, an important part of the culture. “You have to know where you come from to know where you are going,” Sam explained. At the three-day conference, the local tribal school staff were among those presenting work- shops on the operation of First Nations’ schools. A FIRST-EVER CONFERENCE on First Nations education held at LauWelnew School in Brentwood last week drew participants from throughout the province, including (above) Chief Nathan Matthew of the North Thompson Bana, A Brentwood man who forgot he had cast a referendum ballot for a neighborhood pub on the 7100- | block Wallace Drive questioned voting procedures at the Feb. 17 council meeting. a Robert Roxborough suggested —g@council review the procedure, say- ing he, his wife Mary and five _ neighbors had not voted. Council members agreed the votes should be reviewed. Ald. Arlene Box suggested any sign of tampering with the vote should be referred to police. However, before the meeting adjourned, Central Saanich administrator George Sawada was able to produce ballots signed by Roxborough and Mary Roxbor- ough. Sawada explained all voters sign their ballots. Following the council meeting, he contacted Roxbor- ough, who then recalled casting gre ballot. _ Roxborough said his misunder- standing could have been rectified Voie forgotien, complaint raised sooner if staff had investigated the issue before putting it on the council agenda. He said he had forgotten that he had cast a ballot. DEBORAH GRAY CONDO RESALES TOWNHOUSES NEW PROJECTS Be one step ahead and get on my list for up to date info. on these rare properties. Call Deborah Gray NRS PROPERTIES 652-5171 “Outstanding attendance at conference During the first day of the conference, the funding formula for education was discussed with representatives of the Department of Indian Affairs. The department funded the attendance of one representative from eagh of the 30 B.C. bands at this session. Under changes in the funding process which take effect this year, local bands can now administer the provincial and federal alloca- tion for native education. Sam hopes the conference pro- vided the basis for better network- ing between native schools and better lobbying for education funding. “I think it had a very positive impact on people who attended. One voice crying out from one First Nations school can’t be heard, but if we call come together we may be heard,” Sam said. Sam said planning for the con- ference started last November although the Department of Indian Affairs funding was not approved until Jan. 2. She expects the con- ference will become an annual event. A highlight of the conference occured Thursday night, when local native leader Philip Paul was honored with the presentation of a wall plaque bearing symbols from the LauWelnew school totem. The plaque, carved by local artist Charles Elliott, recognized Paul’s work in founding the tribal school. ; The Thunderbird Singers and Dancers sang an honor song for Philip, followed by each person shaking Philip’s hand. “It was very moving,” Sam said. A carved frog bowl, also created by Elliott, was-presented-to North Thompson Chief Nathan Matthew in recognition of his work for native education. Keynote speakers during the conference were Verna Kirkness from the University of B.C. and Shen Chisolm from the Assembly of First Nations. In her closing address, Chisolm paid tribute to the LauWelnew tribal school and to the progress made by First Nations’ people over the past decade. “Twenty years ago, we would not have found a beautiful and strong facility like this in a native community, Chisolm said. “Twenty years ago we would not have had a gathenng like this.” TheReview : S- Wednesday, February 26,1992 — A5 DISTRICT OF CENTRAL SAANICH NOTICE CANCELLATION OF SPRING CLEANUP The Municipality of Central Saanich regrets that due to escalating costs the annual Spring Cleanup must be cancelled. Information as to other alternatives that may be available for disposal of rubbish, etc., can be obtained from the Municipal Hall - Engineering Office: A. ©. Mackay, PEng. Municipal Engineer La-Z-Boy Recliners = Choose from the largest selection \ of La-Z-Boy reclina-rockers and reclina-way chairs on Vancouver Island. Hundreds in stock. Lifetime warranty on frame and mechanism. 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