Introducing the siwɬkʷ Water Curriculum
siwɬkʷ Water Curriculum K-12 Teacher’s Resource Guide incorporates Syilx traditional water knowledge into the curriculum objectives based on the core competencies listed in B.C.’s new curriculum.
“One of the key values in our Indigenous Syilx approach to learning is that we must create relationships for learning and teaching to occur. We create new understanding by gathering bits of old and current knowledge and engaging in a continual process of dialogue, action and reflection. The steps of this process recur like an upwards spiral, lifting us towards greater understanding and ability.“ Dr. Bill Cohen
Valuing siwłkʷ does not solely take place during planned activities. Rather, it’s a living part of the classroom community, honouring Syilx values daily.
siwɬkʷ Water Curriculum K-12 Teacher’s Resource Guide incorporates Syilx traditional water knowledge into the curriculum objectives based on the core competencies listed in B.C.’s new curriculum.
This resource guide provides Syilx and non-Syilx educators, School Districts and Band Schools with teaching materials and on-the-land activities featuring Syilx cultural perspectives and nsyilxcen language on the topic of water.
The resource guide was created with a focus on the following themes:
- Syilx History – pre-colonization (captikʷł)
- Colonialization and Present Day Governance – UNDRIP, DRIPA and TRC, Title and Rights
- Syilx Respect for Water – our inherent responsibility to care for water and ensure our watersheds can continue to function in perpetuity
- Role of Water
- Interconnectedness
- Clean and Cool Water for Salmon
This guide is the fourth in the Okanagan Basin Water Board series “Our Relationship with Water in the Okanagan” as well as a stand-alone book.
Getting Started: A Note for Educators
Who are the Syilx People?
The Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation are a trans-boundary tribe separated at the 49th parallel by the border between Canada and the United States. The Nation is comprised of eight member communities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia: Upper Nicola Band, Okanagan Indian Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands; and in Northern Washington State, the Colville Confederated Tribes. Syilx members share the same land, nsyilxcən language, culture, and customs. They are a distinct and sovereign Nation.
Being Mindful
As you continue your journey of reconciliation and decolonization and utilize this resource, it is important that you are mindful. Be intentional with the language you use and the tenses that you speak in. Be careful of the image you are painting for the next generation. Lastly, be aware of your role as an educator in your learning journey. It is important to recognize your role as a learner. It is okay not to have an answer for everything but rather a curiosity that leads to self-lead learning.
Introduction
This curriculum is designed with the goal of supporting educators to understand and incorporate Syilx values of siwɬkʷ (water) into their learning and teachings. Water is vital to all of our existence and we believe that with this curriculum will support the process of relationship building between classrooms and the tmixʷ. As you will see, valuing siwɬkʷ does not solely take place during planned activities. Rather, it’s a living part of the classroom community, honouring Syilx values daily. Youth learn by watching us. As a result, any revitalization and healing of our own relationships has a profound ripple effect through the interconnected web of our existence. Educators are gifted the responsibility of leading by example. Thus, simply by honouring and upholding siwɬkʷ in their own practice will impact the way future generations understand of their relationships to the land and waterways.
The intent is to share learnings about Syilx history and culture as they pertain to siwɬkʷ. The Okanagan Nation Alliance is committed to ensuring that our captikʷł, our nsyilxcәn language, and our Syilx teachings continue to shape our path forward. Limlemt for taking the time to expand your view of siwɬkʷ.
We have designed this curriculum around the First Peoples Principles of Learning and B.C Curricular and Core Competencies. Activities are suggestions but can be modified and expanded on for a variety of learning experiences.
There are many resources available to help you.
siwɬkʷ – nsyilxcən word for water; the meaning comes from (siw) and (łkʷ).
The (siw) comes from siwst – to drink (human).
The (łkʷ) comes from łkʷitkʷ – to lap (animal).
Together, the two parts identify the Syilx ethic that the right to water is equal for animals and humans. siwłkʷ is sacred as the sources of all life on the tmxʷulaxʷ” (M. S. Armstrong)