Joyce Williams stands at the front of the class, weaving wool through her hands.
Traditionally, Squamish Nation members wouldn't have used store-bought yarn for their blankets, she told the Grade 8 Don Ross Secondary School students. She asked the pupils what they thought her ancestors might have used to make the wool.
"Sheep," one student replied. "Cotton," said another.
The wool was from mountain goats, Williams said. Because they aren't very large animals, it could take up to 10 years to gather enough wool to make a single blanket, she noted.
"It was held in high regard to receive a blanket," Williams explained.
Tuesday (May 14) marked the school's annual Skwxwu7mesh Day. The school welcomed Squamish Nation members to lead interactive learning sessions highlighting their culture and traditions, Don Ross principal Nick Pascuzzi said. During the day, students participated in workshops on storytelling, dancing, drawing, played lacrosse and learned about the Squamish Nation's medicine on a walk through the woods.
"We've got a wealth of knowledge and expertise with our First Nation culture in our community," Pascuzzi said.
First Nations studies is a major component of the Grade 9 social studies curriculum, he said. The event added to the students' knowledge and provides an introduction for the Grade 8 students on a subject they will learn more about next year, Pascuzzi said. It gives youth a chance to connect with local First Nations knowledge and try activities firsthand, he said.
The day started with an opening ceremony, followed by the various workshops. At lunchtime, students attended a salmon barbecue. The day ended with a feasting song and dance and a Pow Wow game.
"It really augments what they are learning in social studies," Pascuzzi said of the event.
