28th Annual Cross Culture Day 

Every year, q̓at̓ᶿɛt (qathet) School District’s students come together to celebrate Cross Culture Day, a unique event facilitated by the district’s Indigenous Education team and ɬaʔamɩn (Tla’amin) Nation community members. Held at the Salish Centre, recognized as the gathering house of ɬaʔamɩn Nation, this annual event provides students with an opportunity to engage with ɬaʔamɩn culture, stories, and traditions through interactive stations.  

This year marked the 28th annual Cross Culture Day, welcoming Grade 3 students from James Thomson, PIE, Edgehill, Kelly Creek, Westview, and Henderson Elementary schools over three days.  

The čičuy (children) explored five themed stations: salmon, mountain goat, orca, raven, and grizzly bear. At each station, students engaged in meaningful activities: they created salmon prints using paint, learned about cedar carving and weaving, participated in an interactive ʔayʔajuθəm language game, and enjoyed playing a fun game of tag called "The Fish and the Bear." 

Students also visited the neighbouring Fish Hatchery, where they learned about the cultural significance of salmon, traditional smoking techniques, and observed the process of egg fertilization. 

After rotating through each activity, everyone came back together to the Salish Centre for singing, dancing, and sampling of traditional foods including Bannock, BBQ salmon, and other delicious dishes prepared by community members. 

ʔimot [e-mote] (thank you) to the ɬəʔamɛn Nation, the q̓at̓ᶿɛt School District Indigenous Education team, and all the dedicated educators who made this cultural day of learning so memorable for the čičuy!