Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

Syeyutsus Reconciliation Policy & Framework

Our Goal of Reconciliation 

To support the Board of Education’s goal of Reconciliation, a Reconciliation Advisory Committee (Syeyutsus Family) was formed with the purpose to develop a Reconciliation Policy and Framework for reconciliation across the district, using a process that is culturally relevant, sensitive and significant.

Learning with Syeyutsus Speaker Series

Stay tuned for Season 5. Together, we are seeking to promote a deeper conversation towards rebuilding
our relationships with Indigenous peoples and the Land for a stronger Canada. These speaker series
are an Indigenous learning series featuring Canadian authors and thought leaders.
Missed a session from Season 4 or maybe Season 1, 2, or 3.
You can view the previous recordings here.

shkw’am’kw’um’s tu syeyutsus

is a way of saying: Our Ways of Being Together (December 2024)

Knowledge Keepers Share Concepts

shkwamkwums-tu-syeyutsus-Ways-of-Being-Together

Coast Salish Knowledge Keepers share concepts that are deeply connected to the land, language and cultures of the Coast Salish People. They provide a starting point for learning from another worldview or through a different lens.

slhilhukw’ is a way of saying connected

shhw’a’luqw’a’ is a way of saying relatives

ts’i’ts’uwatual is a way of saying to help and to support each other

xe’xe’ tumuhw is a way of saying sacred earth

‘uy’shqwaluwum is a way of saying good heart and good mind

The Syeyutsus Family includes representation from:

  • Ron Poitra, Mid-Island Metis Nation
  • Grace Nielsen, Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre
  • Joan Brown, Snuneymuxw First Nation
  • Lawrence Mitchell, Snaw-Naw-As First Nation
  • George Seymour, Stz’uminus First Nation
  • Charlene McKay and Leana Pellegrin, Trustees
  • Jamie Smith, Executive, CUPE
  • Denise Wood, President, NDTA
  • Ricki Bartlett, Director of Instruction, Indigenous Learning
  • Scott Saywell, Superintendent
  • Stephanie Johnson, Syeyutsus Saays’um (one that does the work to support walking together)

Syeyutsus Reconciliation Policy (adopted January 30, 2019)

Please note, this video has been adapted to honour and respect Coast Salish Traditions. In Coast Salish traditions, there is a 4-year period where no pictures, or mention of a loved one who has passed away. Once the 4 years have past, there is a huge pot latch, celebration where pictures will be shared. (11/19/2020)
The Reconciliation Policy | Syeyutsus “Walking Together”
Read it or Watch it below (12/10/2018)

Defining the Syeyutsus Policy

The Syeyutsus Family shares their thoughts:

Harvey Seymour – Stz’uminus First Nation (12/15/2018)
Jamie Smith – CUPE (12/10/2018)
Denise Wood – NDTA (12/10/2018)
Leana Pellegrin – DPAC (12/10/2018)
George Seymour – Stz’uminus First Nation (02/13/2023)
Jerry Brown – Snuneymuxw First Nation (02/13/2023)
Lawrence Mitchell – Snaw naw as First Nation (02/13/2023)

Mandy Jones – Snuneymuxw First Nation (02/13/2023)