Siwal Si’wes
(Our Forefathers’ Teachings)
Aboriginal Education
Siwal Si’wes (Our Forefathers’ Teachings)
Aboriginal Education
Mission Public Schools has long been part of Aboriginal education initiatives in British Columbia. Beginning in 1985, staff was hired to work with Aboriginal students in the district. In 1989, meetings with the Aboriginal communities regarding Aboriginal Education brought about the creation of the Siwal Si’wes Advisory Committee. Since these early beginnings, Aboriginal Education has grown steadily with the introduction of targeted funding during the 1994/1995 school year. The number of self-identified Aboriginal student population has grown to 850 students. Our children are well represented by a number of Aboriginal groups from across Canada. Even though the Mission school district lies within Stó:lo Territory (Leq’á: mel, Kwantlen, Matsqui, and Scowlitz First Nations), many children and families have made Mission their home historically because of St. Mary’s Residential school and the legacy it has left in Mission. Many generations of families attended St. Mary’s and were still in attendance when its doors closed in 1984.
The Aboriginal Education Department, keeping with Stó:lo tradition, was given a name by Stó:lo elder (Gwen Point), “Siwal Si’wes (Our forefathers’ teachings)”. This name reminds us in our work that our children need to know who they are before they can walk forward with pride and we honour each child’s past that they bring to our schools on a daily basis. The logo reflecting our name was designed by Roy Hanuse (Namgiis). Siwal Si’wes has an Advisory Committee that is a large active group made up of a diverse group of elders, parents, grandparents, Community Agencies, School District Staff and Trustees. They are an integral part of the department and strive to enhance our students’ educational experiences.
This page was last modified on September 5, 2012
Contact Us:
Aboriginal Education
7466 Welton Street
Mission, BC, Canada
V2V 6L4
Tel: 604 826 3103
District Principal
Administrative Assistant
News & Events:
Siwal Si'wes Advisory Meeting Dates:
September 11, 2012
October 9, 2012 (Grant Selection Only)
November 13, 2012
December 11, 2012
January 15, 2013
February 12, 2013
March 12, 2013
April 9, 2013
May 14, 2013
June 11, 2013
All meetings are held at Ecole Mission Central from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise notified
HOBIYEE 2013
For information, please check the link below: