This October 21st, the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board is hosting its 50th-anniversary & school Grand Opening celebration. All students and families are invited to attend to celebrate the accomplishments of the past 50 years and view the new facilities. 

The 50-year anniversary celebration will take place on Thursday, October 21st from 10 am to 4 pm at the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board gymnasium. All generations of students, families, teachers, staff, and Elders from the four communities of W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/ Pauquachin, W̱SIḴEM / Tseycum, and SȾÁUTW̱/ Tsawout are invited to attend along with honored guests. Elder invitations will hand-delivered.

The event’s detailed agenda will be forthcoming, but attendees can expect the following:

A cultural ceremony to commemorate the occasion with speeches by Elders, W̱SÁNEĆ Board Members, and Administration will reflect on WSB’s history and its impacts on education, culture, and quality of life for W̱SÁNEĆ people. Lunch will be provided. Attendees will also watch a short preview of a forthcoming documentary on the history of the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board. The tremendous capabilities of the present-day staff, departments, and accomplishments will be acknowledged as global leaders in Indigenous language revitalization. This event will include the Grand Opening of the newly renovated school along with words from the School Expansion Project Team.

Parking provided onsite for Elders and Guests, Overflow Parking at the Saanich Fairgrounds with shuttles running between 9 AM and 10 AM to transport guests to the school, and various times throughout the day to return back to the Saanich Fairgrounds. Car parkers will be on-site at both locations.

Celebrating W̱SÁNEĆ School Board’s History 

Attendees will view a prescreening of an upcoming documentary commemorating 50 years of W̱SÁNEĆ-led education on the Saanich Peninsula. The film showcases the people and events that led to the school board’s takeover from the colonial system as well as the school’s growth over time.

Archival footage and interviews with Elders capture the incredible community effort that wrested power and control from the colonial system to rebuild W̱SÁNEĆ autonomy over education. 

The documentary details how the four W̱SÁNEĆ communities came together to insist on a better future for youth: celebrating the W̱SÁNEĆ Leaders that formed the school board, the courageous actions of the Saanich Homemakers Society who led an impactful protest at Indian Affairs Vancouver, and finally the community members and Elders who contributed in countless ways to the present day success.

The film also details the growth of the W̱SÁNEĆ school board which is in many ways the story of the leadership, political strength, economic development, and celebration of the W̱SÁNEĆ people, language, and cultures. At a later date, a full screening will be scheduled. 

Renovation of ȽÁU,WEL,ṈEW̱ & Leadership schools

Along with commemorating 50 years of W̱SÁNEĆ-led education on the Saanich Peninsula, the event will also feature the long-awaited unveiling of the newly renovated facilities.

The renovation began in March of 2020 and includes an additional 2,871 square meters, including a new gymnasium suitable for large community events and sporting events. 

The renovation will help improve the learning environment for all students. This project is the largest of its kind in W̱SÁNEĆ history, representing an over $20 million investment in W̱SÁNEĆ communities.

About the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board

In 1970 W̱SÁNEĆ came together, and by 1972 the Saanich Indian School Board was formalized; becoming the first Indigenous school board to take over from colonizers in Canada. 

W̱SÁNEĆ leaders replaced previous the management of the Tsartlip Indian Day School,  revamping the curriculum and hiring Indigenous teachers to acheive the goal of a providing a W̱SÁNEĆ led, culturally safe education. 

It began as a small school, not fully ranging in grades from Kindergarten to Grade 12 but through 50 years of continuous community effort has since expanded into five distinct schools.

Present Day

The five stand-alone schools include the SȽEȽEMW̱ Child Development Centre (Daycare Program), ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School (Preschool to Grade 6), W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School (Grade 7 – Grade 12), the Saanich Adult Education Centre and the SȾÁ,SEN SENĆOŦEN Language school.

Members of the schools have worked hard to provide accessible education for all ages and abilities and is proud to celebrate graduates from all pathways, including those attending post-secondary schools Nationally and Internationally. 

The W̱SÁNEĆ School Board’s 50th Anniversary & Grand Opening is a major milestone and an opportunity to recognize the generations of leadership responsible for the present day’s successes. The unveiling of the new, world-class facility will at last accurately represent the dedication and innovation happening inside. 

The 50 year anniversary will also usher in the bright future of the School Board, which will remain dedicated to uplifting and supporting W̱SÁNEĆ communities with a world-class education rooted in the culture, beliefs, and worldview.

We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone at the 50th-anniversary celebration for a day of connection, recollection, and appreciation.