Good afternoon, colleagues. I would like to share with you some excited things that are happening to further develop the cultural programming in Liidlii Kue Elementary School. Thanks to the school's administration and partners, they were able to secure grants, equipment, and a new garage to store these resources. This helps was a good start, however the lack of transportation in the fall and late spring to have students set fishing nets, go to camp across the river, and to even experience life on the water was challenging. Sometimes, they were able to access local boats but most times they were hard to find, and most local boats were too small to carry out the cultural activities. So the administration sent out an application to Jordan's Principle to see if they would be willing to help purchase a boat big enough to help them offer cultural programming needed in the school. The big selling point was the preservation and revitalization of cultural programming at their school especially after three years of school closures and social distancing from the COVID pandemic.
As the application was going through the process, the Deh Cho Divisional Education Council agreed to help with the delivery of the boat, ongoing maintenance, and boating insurance. Again, the community partners are working together to preserve and promote cultural language and traditions.
I can tell you that I was present when the principal made the announcement at the Christmas feast and everybody was very happy.
I can tell you that in addition the school boat will help with their cultural programming in eight areas. Due to the time, I will ask the clerk to have the rest of this statement be deemed as read and printed in the Hansard. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.
The eight areas are:
Assist students with missed opportunities to get out ontheland/water to experience culturally relevant programming;
Assist in teaching students about the area around our community and Deh Cho region;
Assist with being able to set fishnets with elders. Also, fish using a rod and reel;
Assist the school and community in being able to participate in spiritual gathers and fire feedings;
Assist in creating community events and visit culturally significant sites along the Mackenzie River and surrounding area of Fort Simpson;
Assist in having our students participate in cultural leadership roles and sharing of learned knowledge;
Assist in teaching of the Dene language as our school's Dene Zhatie teacher and Culture Coordinator both participate heavily in the Dene language process and implementation.
Assist in building relationships among staff, students, parents, and community partners in part of our dedication to the Truth and Reconciliation process.
