MBSS Indigenous Academy
We are very grateful to live, learn, and play on the unceded territory of the Okanagan People. We work hard to incorporate local ways of knowing and being into our classrooms and lessons in authentic and meaningful ways.
Indigenous Academy Certificate
Graduating students who have taken at least 20 credits (5 courses) with an Indigenous focus will receive an Indigenous Academy certificate alongside their Dogwood diploma.
Indigenous Graduation Requirement
All students are required to take a minimum of one Indigenous focused course as a part of their graduation program. These courses currently include: English First Peoples (10, 11, or 12), B.C. First Peoples 12, Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12, and Indigenous Art Studio (10, 11, or 12).
Note: This list is evolving so check with your school counsellor to see if other courses apply.
MBSS Indigenous courses
*course offerings each year are dependent on the number of students and the availability of educational staff
English First Peoples (Grades 10-12):
In this class students will gain all of the skills of a traditional English class, but will do so by exploring texts by Indigenous authors. This allows them to engage with high interest texts and unique perspectives.
B.C. First Peoples 12:
A senior level Social Studies course focusing on Indigenous Peoples and culture in British Columbia. This course will expose students to the longstanding connection BC First Peoples have had with the land in developing their identity and world view. Students will explore the diversity and resilience of BC First Peoples and how current self-determination is a challenge in Canada's ongoing legacy of colonialism.
Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12:
A senior-level Social Studies course in which students will critically analyze important moments in Indigenous Peoples’ and Canada’s past in order to have a better understanding of contemporary Indigenous strengths and struggles in Canadian society.
Okanagan Language (Grades 10 -12):
Students will enter the Nsyilxcәn-speaking world through written, oral, cultural, and visual works.
Indigenous Art Studio (Grades 10-12):
Students explore and create rich and diverse art of Indigenous people, while learning all of the great skills found in a traditional art class.
Indigenous Leadership (Grades 10-12):
This course provides all (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) youth with exciting and engaging opportunities to learn and lead on the traditional territory of the Syilx people. Students will explore what it means to be a leader within their personal lives as well as within their local and global community.
Supports and Spaces
Gathering Room
This space is primarily used by Indigenous learners during breaks and lunch to join together with food and community. If you are looking for an Indigenous Advocate, the Gathering Room is a good place to start!
