K/1 Program

K/1 Program

The Indigenous K/1 program is based on Indigenous teachings and the B.C. curriculum. We emphasize the importance of early intervention techniques to help students move along successfully in their schooling. Our class encourages a sense of connectedness to the land and environment as well as a sense of pride in who we are and our cultural history.  We explore this through drumming, dance and art. With its fabulous setting in the forest, surrounded by salmon bearing creeks at Ecole Puntledge School we spend significant parts of our day enjoying outdoor education focusing on science and nature studies.

Brooke Young, Teacher Introduction

Tansi. My name is Brooke Young and I am of Metis, Scottish and English heritage. I am grateful to be living as a guest on the unceded traditional territory of the K’omoks First Nation and feel very privileged to be teaching this program here on their land. I was born and raised in the Comox Valley and have been teaching here for the past 11 years. I learned about my Metis ancestry when I was in high school; I felt compelled to further explore my family’s history and Indigenous cultures in University which led me to working at the Wachiay Friendship Centre and now here in this wonderful program. I am excited to continue my learning journey alongside curious students, respected Elders, knowledgeable cultural presenters and the supportive Indigenous Education staff. As a teacher, I am passionate about ensuring my students have a sense of belonging and pride in who they are, having a connection to the land, and building relationships with students and families to be able to successfully meet them where they are at in their learning journey. As a person, I enjoy boat trips to Cortes Island, forest walks, doing arts and crafts, and travelling with my husband and two small boys.

Colleen Devlin, Teacher Introduction

Tansi, my name is Colleen Devlin, I have been teaching for 30 years. I am proud to share my Cree/ Metis and Irish Canadian ancestry in the indigenous K/1 program. My ancestral name is Kasispinit. I believe that every child should feel pride in their ancestry and learn not only about their own culture but our richly diverse Canadian Aboriginal culture. I am thankful for SD71 for providing a space that honors our Little Bears and our outdoor active learning program.  Kimaskomitin Mitakuye-Oyasin

Every Child Deserves to Feel Loved article

Colleen Devlin wrote and shared about her approach to teaching our youngest students about Residential Schools in an age appropriate way with a group of K/1 teachers in our District.  Her story was also shared with members of the Downie/Wenjack Legacy Fund and they published here article on their webpage.  You can link to the article by clicking here.