Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Summer Math Program

The NEC Native Education College, in partnership with “Eagles of Tomorrow Education Society”, a registered Canadian Charity, will be offering a 2017 Summer Mathematics Program for Aboriginal students currently in Grades 7 – 11 who are transitioning into Grades 8 - 12 in September 2017. I’d like to invite your child to apply to participate in The Summer Mathematics Program to be held at NEC Native Education College (located at 285 East 5th Ave. Vancouver) from Wednesday, July 5 th to Tuesday, August 1 st, 2017. The weekly schedule will be: (Changes may be made when necessary) Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 1:00pm Mathematics / Youth Empowerment / Elders Teachings Children will receive refreshments each day as well as a scholarship of $50 per week for having perfect attendance and strong work habits. The scholarship will be awarded based on attendance and upon successful completion of the work assigned each week. We believe that successful completion of the program will give students an opportunity to build a solid foundation in mathematics which will enable them to graduate from High School with Regular Academic Mathematics.

 AVAILABLE FOR PROGRAM DATES NOTED ABOVE, AND MEETING GRADE REQUIREMENTS BY JUNE 15, 2017

TO: Admissions Office by e-mail: admissions@necvancouver.org by fax: 604-873-1440

Native Youth Program


Contact: nyp@moa.ubc.ca

Monday, June 5, 2017

National Aboriginal Day


What is National Aboriginal Day?

June 21 is National Aboriginal Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First NationsInuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous Peoples.
Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day. For generations, many Indigenous Peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

What led to the creation of National Aboriginal Day?

National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. National Aboriginal Day was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups.
  • in 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples
  • also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day
  • in 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day

How does the Government of Canada support National Aboriginal Day?

National Aboriginal Day is part of the Celebrate Canada program, which also includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and Canada Day (July 1).
While all Government of Canada departments support National Aboriginal Day, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Canadian Heritage work together to promote it. INAC provides resources and ideas for events, while Canadian Heritage provides funding opportunities for community celebratory events.

Kanata Festival

The Kanata Festival is a 13 day festival running from June 19-July 1st.
It is a cultural festival featuring food, music, art, workshops, and performances.
It takes place on the traditional unceded territory of the Coast Salish people, in Larwill Park, bounded by Cambie & Beatty streets and Georgia and Dunsmuir streets in downtown Vancouver, BC.
While taking place in BC, the festival will feature aspects of Indigenous culture from across Canada.
For regular festival updates and to follow the planning and execution of the festival, please follow us on social media:
Facebook: Kanata Festival
Instagram: @kanatfest
Twitter: @kanatafest

Drum Making Workshop

Drum-making workshop with Phil and Gisele L'Hirondelle!
Join First Nations Elders Phil and Gisele L'Hirondelle for a very special weekend event where we will learn the sacred art of drum making and create our own drums.
Phil Mechuskosis L'Hirondelle
Phil Mechuskosis L’Hirondelle is a Cree Elder who has been a Sundancer since the early 90’s.  He was born in Calgary, Alberta and was trained from age 5 while traveling with his Father.  He has also trained with other elders from his late teens such Chief Robert Smallboy, Wallace Black Elk, Grandfather Vince Stogen, Grandfather Sylvester Joe, Grandmother Mary Uslick and others.  His Eastern influences are: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Devananda Saraswati, Ramana Maharishi, Ram Surat Kumar and Master Dhyan Vimal. He brings a unique blend of Aboriginal and Eastern tradition to his present day Sacred Work teachings.  He works with his wife Gisèle of Mi’kmaq and Acadian heritage (Blue Heartstone Flicker Woman) and together they have a wide variety of programs and ceremonies.
Phil also works at the Native Education College in the capacity of Elder and also brings workshops and teachings and Elders in the Vancouver Community Colleges, Downtown and Broadway campuses, and also at Capilano University. He is also active in the Lower Mainland bringing ceremonies, teachings and workshops in the community. 
Phil also worked as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Kwikwexwelhp Healing Village working side by side with elder’s Robert Nahanee, Grandmother Rita Leon, and Helen Joe. He is presently an Elder and Programs Officer for Corrections Canada medium security in the Lower Mainland.
Gisèle L'Hirondelle - Blue Heartstone Flicker Woman
Gisèle L’Hirondelle, also known as Blue Heartstone Flicker Woman, was born in New Brunswick in the Acadian Peninsula. She has Mi’kmaq heritage on her Mother’s side. She moved to Vancouver BC in April of 1985 to start a new life with her two children. She has a background in marketing and for the last 10 years, in Human Resources. She is now involved with Friends To Mankind and the School of Mastery, which are based on Master Dhyan Vimal’s teachings.
Phil and Gisèle got married in June 2000 and they have been working together doing Native Teachings and ceremonies since the mid 90’s. Gisèle has been involved in crafts all her life; it is her passion and her meditation. She is well known for her ribbon shirts, ribbon dresses, sweat dresses, bundle mats, and her unique drum bags amongst many other things. You can find her drum bags all over the world. She also loves teaching others how to make their own drum, dream catthers and rattles.
Honour fee: $150, plus $10 donation to the Soul Mind Body Centre
IMPORTANT NOTE: All registrations must be made in person at the Centre, via cash or cheque ONLY. Please reserve your place BEFORE JUNE 10TH, to avoid workshop cancelation.
This workshop is available in person only. There will be no webcast.