Spotlight64 | Walking Together Day - Honouring Indigenous Knowledge and Learning

SD64 Community Gathers for a Transformative Professional Development Experience

On Friday, November 7, staff from across School District 64 gathered at Gulf Islands Secondary School for Walking Together Day — a district-wide professional development event dedicated to enhancing Indigenous student achievement and weaving Indigenous worldviews into the fabric of our learning environments.

Although the day was originally planned to feature a keynote address by guest speaker Dustin Louie, unexpected weather prevented his attendance. In true community spirit, everyone adjusted and the event blossomed into a meaningful and memorable success.

The day began in a good way, with a beautiful welcome to territory and song by Maiya Modeste, a heartfelt welcome to the day of learning from District Indigenous Principal Lorna Fraser, opening words from Superintendent Jill Jenson, and wisdom shared by Indigenous Education Council and Tsartlip First Nation Council members, Jeanine Cooper and Verna Ellsworth. Their voices set a tone of respect, learning, and connection.

Sitting in circle, participants were inspired by the powerful voices of Quw’utsun knowledge keepers Maiya Modeste and Tyee Joseph. The pair shared their work with youth on the land through the Stqeeye’ Learning Society at Xwaaqw’um (Burgoyne Bay) — a traditional village site and rich harvesting ground on Saltspring Island that has sustained Quw’utsun People for thousands of years. Maiya spoke passionately about restoring Garry Oak ecosystems and the camas meadow in “Our Grandmother’s Garden,” while Tyee, a gifted storyteller, highlighted the importance of wetland restoration and the ancient stories held within shell middens.

Last year, dedicated educator and GISS vice-principal Stacy Mitchell and the Anatomy & Physiology 12 class were invited to Xwaaqw’um and, as part of their coursework, were required to complete a final project that connected the Western and Indigenous science of anatomy and physiology. Ms. Mitchell reflected on her learning journey and the transformation of her students through the practice of Etuaptmumk — Two-Eyed Seeing. By bringing together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, she and her students, with guidance from Maiya and Tyee, explored how science and Indigenous knowledge can enrich understanding of the human body, our relationships with the land, and each other. On the land, they learned to slow down, listen deeply, and embrace outdoor learning unconstrained by the boundaries of a traditional classroom. The experience became an act of reconciliation — moving beyond the single line in the BC curriculum that acknowledges Indigenous perspectives to living those values in practice.

"With the support and generosity of community partners, I continue to walk this path, striving to do better and be better for my students and for the land that teaches us all." 

– Stacy Mitchell

In the afternoon, Carl Olsen of Tsartlip First Nation shared his work with and passion for traditional clam gardens, describing the time-honoured gathering practices of his ancestors and the sophisticated techniques intended to secure natural food sources in the Southern Gulf Islands for generations. His stories highlighted the enduring importance of Indigenous stewardship and local knowledge.

Carl also shared his active involvement in efforts to safeguard the ancient forests surrounding Goldstream Provincial Park, advocating for the protection of these vital ecosystems. With deep emotion, he voiced concerns about the harmful impact that the proposed Malahat highway expansion project will have, warning that such development threatens not only the delicate balance of local flora and fauna but also the cultural and environmental heritage that these forests represent for future generations.

The day was filled with highlights: vibrant drumming and singing, a nourishing lunch prepared by GISS students, and opportunity to acquire Indigenous resources from Strong Nations Publishing, a local vendor from the traditional Snuneymuxw territory (in Nanaimo.) Lucky participants capped off the event with door prizes and giveaways, leaving everyone with full hearts and renewed commitment to walking together in learning and reconciliation.

Heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in Walking Together Day—attendees, presenters, Elders, and community partners alike. The day was marked by a tangible enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to share that will strengthen our collective journey toward deeper understanding and meaningful reconciliation.