Skookum Windspeaker, a successful, culturally appropriate enhancement program for Indigenous students in Surrey Schools is at risk of becoming obsolete. The land-based program is about to lose its funding by April 2026, unless there is a long-term commitment to financially resourcing the program.
“Through the program, I have learned about my history and culture. Sometimes, there is a disconnection between us and our histories, but I’ve been able to learn to be one with the natural world,” says Misha, a student who has been a part of the program for two years.
Supporting mostly urban Indigenous youth in Surrey, the program coordinator and facilitator both acknowledge that some students may feel disconnected from their community, culture, and traditions. The students understand the colonial impacts of residential schools, the ‘60s scoop, and living away from their home community and Nation.
“I have learned to weave a cedar basket, and learned the teaching, ‘to give back what I take, and to only take what I need,’” says Misha.
Resiliency in participating students is nurtured by spending time with Elders, Indigenous cultural facilitators, learning traditional knowledge, teachings, songs, local flora and fauna. The students partake in Métis jigging, drum making, snowshoeing, and kayaking, among other activities, including a summer program with overnight camping trips and trips to Whistler and Victoria.
Indigenous students are dispersed throughout Surrey Schools making it difficult to create community relations.
Becky Parker, Skookum Windspeaker Coordinator, acknowledges the impact this program has on students. Getting together for monthly outdoor excursions rooted in cultural connections—interpersonal or otherwise—empowers the participants’ Indigenous reclamation in meaningful ways.
“I’ve been able to make new friends and learn about my culture, things I didn’t know before,” says Michaela, a student who has been a part of the program for two years.
Being in the program with other Indigenous students builds connection, community, and has a positive impact on their confidence, self-worth, and sense of pride.
“For some kids, they get really anxious and scared, so even just being there to observe is a really big step,” says Dawne Kalenuik, Skookum Windspeaker Facilitator. “It’s about the kids being there and meeting them where they are at.
The students are immersed in Coast Salish histories by visiting Kwantlen Cultural Centre and Takaya Tours, learning specifically about the Kwantlen, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The program also gives them access to Métis cultural facilitators learning Métis history.
“I would love to see everyone be able to join the program if they want to,” says Kalenuik. “It would be great if each grade has a cohort. But ultimately, it comes down to resourcing.”
The Skookum Windspeaker program brings together 350 Indigenous students across District 36, about 10% of the 3,100 Indigenous students in Surrey Schools, the largest Indigenous student population in BC.
“I carry pride in the resiliency of the youth in this program. To see more than 350 Indigenous youth from across the district proudly sign up to be part of something that celebrates their culture, to watch them show up each month with curiosity, strength, and pride—it’s incredibly moving. Their willingness to step into their identity with confidence and community gives me so much hope,” says Parker.
“These young people are changing the narrative, and I feel honoured to walk alongside them.”
