The theme of the 2015 First Nations Spring Festival , held May 14 at Alberni District Secondary School (ADSS), was Always Learning.
The night’s performances came from schools across School District 70, as well there were displays of student art and projects on First Nations and a feast of nibbles from dried salmon and fish heads to bannock.
The performance portion was emceed by Nuu-chah-nulth Education Worker Deb Masso. Welcomes were provided by Dennis Bill on behalf of Tseshaht and Jolleen Dick on behalf of Hupacasath. Bill is a teacher in the school district and a former student here as well.
He remembered a time when he was in school wondering why he was learning the French language and not the Nuu-chah-nulth language. He is pleased that the school district now embraces First Nations language and culture learning and that all students are included and can participate.
Jolleen Dick had brought along with her the Hupacasath video that showcases, not only the nation, and who the Hupacasath are, but the territory and its beauty.
Superintendent of schools Greg Smythe introduced the festival poster winners. First prize went to Hannah Sam, age 9, of Alberni Elementary. Second went to Kayla Heiman, age 10, also of Alberni. In the Secondary division, first place went to Ivy Cargill-Martin of ADSS. Their drawings were selected to grace the promotional items that advertised the event.
Schools presentations came from Bamfield Community School, Wickaninnish Community School, Eighth Avenue Elementary, Ucluelet Elementary, EJ Dunn Middle School, ADSS, Wood Elementary, Alberni Elementary and Gill Elementary.
