The W̱SÁNEĆ School Board is no ordinary school; W̱SÁNEĆ culture is central each and every day. The school offers W̱SÁNEĆ youth cutting-edge education that not only delivers academic instruction “guided by B.C. Ministry of Education IRP’s,” but also incorporates “locally developed SENCOTEN language and Culture curriculum.”

In alignment with its emphasis on centering W̱SÁNEĆ culture, the School Board celebrated the W̱SÁNEĆ New Year at the School Board gym on February 10th, 2023. 

At the celebration, W̱SÁNEĆ School Board students, staff, and community members celebrated ṈIṈENE, the moon of the child. ṈIṈENE is the first of thirteen moons celebrated as part of W̱SÁNEĆ natural law. 

Celebration of ṈIṈENE is a celebration of rebirth of the whole world. The days start to grow longer, the weather warms, the animal world is reborn, and plant life begins to reemerge. 

During ṈIṈENE, families weave twine for reef net fishing, and deer hunting ends as new fawns are born. The ṈIṈENE moon also signifies it is the time to teach the children of the community “through telling of tales . . . to pass the long Winter nights,” and to continue longhouse ceremonial dances. The School Board incorporated storytelling into the celebration. 

The School Board planned the event in collaboration with the school’s elementary and high-school students. Together, they dreamt up a full, exciting event, including cultural festivities – such as drumming, storytelling, and singing – as well as a giveaway! 

The School Board celebrated rebirth throughout the world while helping W̱SÁNEĆ youth connect with W̱SÁNEĆ language, culture, and tradition through this festive event.