The Day of Sucwentwecw takes place each year on April 7, throughout the Kamloops-Thompson School District 73. This annual district-wide event recognizes and celebrates the Secwepemc People (Secwepemcul’ecw) and other Aboriginal people residing within the Secwepemc Territory.
This year, April 7, lands on a Thursday, and in honour of that day the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) Barriere Library will be featuring the title ‘Fox’s Journey of Well-Becoming’. at the Barriere StoryWalk®.
A StoryWalk® is an innovative way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time, and encourages literacy, connection and play. Pages of a storybook are installed outdoors and include questions and interactions to enjoy. Children and parents follow the pages of the book, walking while reading the story together.
The Barriere StoryWalk® can be found in Fadear Park, next to the Barriere Library, at 4511 Barriere Town Road.
The featured story is written by Trudi Neilsen with illustrations by George Ignace, the title Fox’s Journey of Well-Becoming examines finding wellness through emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual Indigenous values.
The title will be installed at the Barriere Library as the Barriere StoryWalk® feature running from from April 5-12. No registration is necessary to take part in the StoryWalk® and follow the pages of the book as you enjoy walking and talking with your children while reading the story together.
“Craft To Go bags that accompany the storybook will be available for pickup at the Barriere Library branch as supplies last,” advised Barriere Branch Librarian Pam Rudd.
Library patrons can also use the QR Code to access Geotourist, and listen to narration to learn pronunciation of the language that is key to the story. The narration is done by Charli Foster, the Language Manager at Simpcw First Nation.
Aboriginal District Principal Mike Bowden said the Day of Sucwentwecw is meant to acknowledge the local Secwépemc, and to focus on inclusivity of other Indigenous cultures within the Secwépemc territory.
“Our hope is that this, and future gatherings, will continue to serve as the foundation for learning and acknowledging the Secwépemc culture and histories, as well as other Indigenous peoples worldviews,” Bowden said. “This day invites us to imagine ways to build a smarter, more caring learning community.”
Learn more about the Barriere Story Walk® by going to: https://www.tnrl.ca/explore/library-experiences/storywalk/ or contact Barriere Library Branch Head Pam Rudd, by calling 250-672-5811 or emailing: prudd@tnrd.ca
To learn more about the Day of Sucwentwecw, go to School District 73’s Day of Sucwentwecw page at: https://www.sd73.bc.ca
