More than 200 youth from Blue River, Vavenby, Clearwater, Barriere and Chu Chua participated in Neqweyqwelsten School’s Cultural Wellness Day on Friday, May 10.
In collaboration with the Simpcw First Nation Language and Culture Department, Natural Resource Department, Neqweyqwelsten staff and students, community elders and knowledge keepers, and the senior youth team, youth from the valley participated in a number of experiences throughout the day.
Youth engaged in biking the Simpcw trails, crafts, a nature walk with plant identification, wetland and boardwalk experience, and learning lahal (a traditional stick game).
Members of Simpcw First Nation mentored youth, who gained knowledge in drumming, language, stories, fisheries, watersheds, and medicinal plants.
To wrap up the day, youth were treated to a pit cook of veggies and salmon served with some bannock.
Knowledge keepers and elders took time to share specials traditions and memories with the youth.
Simpcw recreation coordinator Louise Lodge said “We want to offer a special thank you to all the volunteers who hosted the guests, shared knowledge and skills in the various stations, and cooked the wonderful meal. Everyone had a really wonderful time together.”
