The Stoqoye Program
See updates on the Stoqoye, Grade 4 Longhouse Tours and Work Experience Programs by clicking on logo below:
“St’qó:ya Program”
Wolf – “teacher of all good things”
Sharing of Stó:lô Nation Culture and Tradition
Project Background
Shxwt’a:selhawtxw – The House of Long Ago & Today has been in operation since 1995. This program offers teachers and students a hands-on approach to learning about the Stó:lô way of life, philosophy, technology and culture. Stó:lô artists and crafts people are the cultural interpreters who create or present original objects and replica pieces while interacting with guests. The tour starts in the Stó:lô Longhouse, which was built for the purpose of sharing Stó:lô culture. Includes the ethno botanical garden, and concludes in the long house extension building.
Through this interactive, experiential learning program, the students are able to understand the history, culture and traditions of the Stó:lô people in a hands-on way. The longhouse is integral to this process, as the site of many ceremonial and teaching opportunities.
These students and their teachers develop an understanding of Stó:lô history and culture though oral Story telling or stories.
Off-site presentations include a satellite program that offers presentations to schools and classrooms.
The school/classroom presentations project is to support curriculum in the classroom and promote the continuation of living cultural traditions. Our presentations will continue to provide cultural learning opportunities for all students. As has been its purpose in the past, Shxwt’a:selhawtxw will continue to meet the following objectives:
Provide opportunities to:
·Promote knowledge and history of Stó:lô Language & Culture; for students, parents, and school district staff.
·To develop and increase accurate information regarding the loss and rebirth of Stó:lô culture and history;
·Learn about the significance and importance of our culture to the land and to share that knowledge with school and community
·Educational partnership with Chilliwack School District; for the development of Stó:lô curriculum materials and presentations
Workshops
Willow Medallions
Hand crafted willow circles, designed and painted for all ages
1 hour
Supplies: sinew, acrylic paints, paintbrushes
Painting / drawing
Guided Native designed paintings and drawings for all ages
Variable time frame
Paper, pencils crayons, pastels
Pine Needle Baskets
Authentic pine needle baskets – age group- 10 years and older
2 hours
Pine Needles, sinew
Elder Berry Flutes
Age group - 12 years and older
3 hours
Files, drill bits, sand paper, corks and dowels
Drum Making
Miniature drum making
For all ages
Variable time
Frames, Hide, Sinew & Large needles
Maxine Prevost, Shxwt’a:selhawtxw Coordinator / Curator
Maxine Prevost, a Stó:lô member of Chehalis Indian Band, has 8 children and 13 grandchildren. Carrying the ancestral name of her grandmother – Tselxat, has connection throughout Stó:lô territory, A carver, cultural and spiritual leader, Maxine enjoys story telling with masks and other carvings made by her husband Peter Prevost. Maxine also has assisted groups with plays, performances and cultural events.
For all age groups
Aboriginal peoples have rich, strict, oral traditions, referred to as spoken “stories”, which embody the history, philosophy, and moral teachings of all Aboriginal culture. The identity of the people is contained in their; Sxwoxwíyam – myth –like stories set in the distant past which explain how Xexá:ls (the transformer) came to the Stó:lô territory to “make things right” for the present generation; and Sqwélqwel “true stories or news,” which describe experiences in people’s lives.
Story telling is a creative way in which to teach and promote healthy choices, unlike lectures storytelling embodies a creative approach to sharing life lessons. There are a variety of stories shared and a variety of ways to present. We offer opening presentations and workshops.
Mosquito / Hummingbird presentation is a transformation song and dance; moral of this story is we have a choice. Slave Mask shares lessons on not giving up when life hands you difficulties. Bear Mask offers lessons on being who you are because of our family connections and responsibilities. Salmon mask shares lessons of our connection to mother earth and our resources.
Drama / Plays are a powerful way to collaborate a story to life, with acting, costumes, songs and dance. Maxine has assisted classrooms to put a performance to stage through opening student dialogue and stage coaching, costume making.
Grades 7-12
Adult groups
Residential School Presentation includes a glance into first hand experience of Residential School. Maxine attended Kamloops Residential School and shares her experience. This presentation will vary depending on the age group and focus group.
Stó:lô Nation Ceremony & Family
An important Cultural Awareness for those that are interested in Stó:lô history related to traditional and cultural values of long ago & today.
|
