Staff Encouraged to Listen, Reflect, and Act at Odyssey Conference
February 13, 2023
Staff across the Langley School District spent Friday participating in speakers’ sessions and engaging in rich conversations at this year’s Odyssey Conference. As part of the District’s commitment to the journey of Truth and Reconciliation, the annual district-wide professional development day is dedicated to engaging with Indigenous knowledge, learning and pedagogy to ensure all Langley School District employees and students benefit from these valuable teachings. The District’s goal is to continue to focus on deepening our understanding of the past to create a more thoughtful and inclusive future.
The opening session entitled “A Conversation with the Nations” was a dialogue with representatives from the local land-based Nations. Panelists included Chief Alice McKay and Councillor Brenda Morgan from Matsqui First Nation, Michael Kelly-Gabriel from Kwantlen First Nation, Deanna Miller from Katzie First Nation, and Chief Harley Chappell from Semiahmoo First Nation. The speakers shared knowledge and personal experiences, as well as highlighted what educators and the District could do to make schools feel like a safe and welcoming space for Indigenous students.
Feeling a sense of belonging and understanding identity were main themes in the conversation.
Deana Miller shared how “alone” she felt when she was growing up and going through the school system at a time where there were not many students that looked like her. She talked about her personal journey to “know who you are” and explained how she “felt safe” and found her “voice” once she joined the Langley School District Aboriginal Education Program as an Aboriginal Support Worker.
Other panelists shared similar insights about the importance of knowing oneself and being proud of who they are and where they come from.
Chief Alice McKay said she wants to “make sure the generations now and the seven generations to come, are proud of who they are” despite the remnants from the past that resulted from colonization.
When asked what educators could do to assist with supporting Indigenous students, Brenda Morgan responded with “help us break down these myths (about Indigenous Peoples), dissolve those myths, and just be there for our students.” As she continued “I want them (Indigenous students) to be proud at school.”
“We want you to treat them as your own children…They are our future and they are the reason our communities will continue moving forward. When they are not in our communities, we need you to shelter them,” said Michael Kelly-Gabriel, to staff listening online.
In speaking about the work in the education system, Chief Harley Chappell emphasized how “this can’t be a one-off” but, rather, it needs to be continued opportunities to learn.
This discussion was one of many sessions offered to staff throughout the day to continue their learning and to challenge them to “act.”
Staff were invited to “A conversation with Len Pierre.” Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation. Len is an educator, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, traditional knowledge keeper, and cultural practitioner.
Staff were also encouraged to view previous presentations offered by the District, review resources, and attend a workshop focussed on “Learning the Local Language.” This session was an introduction to the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language led by Fern Gabriel, hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language teacher, and Aboriginal Support Workers Deanna Miller and Carlyn Andres.
It was wonderful day of learning and connection. The District thanks all attendees, presenters, and staff working behind the scenes to help continue to make this an innovative, inspiring, and unified learning community.
hay ce:p q̓ə which means thank you all in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language.