Snuneymuxw First Nation and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools have announced a reciprocal agreement for the old Woodbank Elementary School site.
“SFN has leased the Woodbank site to offer a variety of programs in their community, such as mentorship, youth and elder programming, a wellness gym, computer lab, support groups, cultural camp and the ability to hold soccer tournaments,” said a press release. “The partnership will help provide much-needed space for community resources.”
Nanaimo school district and Snuneymuxw said they will continue to work together to improve and enhance educational outcomes for their children and this will include assisting the district in community-level discussions, continuing support with developing Hul’q’umi’num curriculum and language learning, sharing of Snuneymuxw history, stories and elder support.
Both the district and Snuneymuxw are pleased with th arrangement.
“We are going into a partnership with [Nanaimo school district] to enhance facilities for learning, not only for children, but also for elders that continues to build on our relationship around learning in Nanaimo,” said Emmy Manson, Snuneymuxw councillor, in the press release.
“We are proud to be moving forward in a meaningful way with our Snuneymuxw partners and excited to continue developing the relationship in the future,” said Steve Rae, school board chairman, in the release.
