Hundreds of Indigenous students from across the Okanagan came together in Kelowna to sing, dance, learn and celebrate their culture. 

"The local traditional sounds of song and dance echoed through the halls," said Christie Russell, the district vice principal of Indigenous Education after celebrating the Primary Winter Gathering with more than 250 Grade 3 students on Jan. 23.

The cultural event, hosted by the Indigenous Education District Team, brought together more than 250 Grade 3 students from Central Okanagan Public Schools, tand Revelstoke from Jan. 21-24.

The focus of the cultural event is to spark a sense of pride in the children by celebrating their heritage through song, beading, dance, captikÊ·Å‚, drumming, and storytelling, said Russell.

Elders, teachers, community members and Grade 12 students used their knowledge and skills to deepen the Grade 3s understanding of Indigenous heritage at the Winter Gathering celebration.

Emphasis was placed on using the First People's Principles of Learning 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ which employs teachings that are holistic, rooted in story, are inter-generational and are reciprocal. 

"We were honoured to receive the traditional gifts and knowledge from Birch Creek, who shared their gifted drumming with us, as well as from community Elders Grandma Rose and Bonnie Coble," said Russell. 

She said that the gathering was intended to allow students from across the Okanagan to meet in circle and learn about themselves, each-other, the importance of acknowledging the land and Elder care.

"Our hope is that students leave the Primary Winter Gathering with a stronger sense of self, pride in their heritage, a deeper connection to the syilx land, and a renewed sense of wonder about their Indigeneity," said Russell.