In keeping with K虛wsaltktn茅ws ne Secwepemc煤l鈥檈cw's School District 83's commitment to Reconciliation, Salmon Arm students got a taste of Indigenous culture. 

Students at Shuswap Middle School were recently introduced to local Indigenous cuisine when they participated in Longtable dinners during Foods Class. They sampled Saskatoon berry cakes, pemmican, Saskatoon berry lemonade and preserves. The kids also got to make bannock bags to bake at home, allowing them to better connect to the learning by making and sharing food with their families. 

In addition to eating, students were shown traditional tools and techniques, learned about preservation methods, trade and the significance of seasonal preparations. The sustainable Indigenous concept of not taking more than is needed and using all that's taken was also discussed as part of respecting the environment. 

The initiative was a collaborative effort between Indigenous education workers Theresa Johnson, Kaeli Hawrys and Foods teacher Alicia Schouten.

"We encouraged students to discuss that special traditions they have in their own family homes... we had round table discussions about what methods our families and present-day culture currently use around food consumption," Theresa It was a great opportunity to learn about one another and the traditions and skills we've had in the past or are currently learning in our own homes (baking, fishing, hunting, canning, etc.)

"Our time together was very enjoyable," she added.