The Burnaby School District 41, Secondary Aboriginal Circle Program is made available to all students self identified as Aboriginal on their school registration form. In the Secondary Aboriginal Circle Program, students will be given the opportunity to:

1. meet and share with their Aboriginal peers in their schools and/or neighbouring schools
2. meet and learn from the many good teachings of Aboriginal resource people in the community
3. increase their knowledge and awareness of the diverse Aboriginal people/cultures in their school, community, and Canada
4. heighten their self-esteem by promoting a positive Aboriginal image, thereby fostering pride in Aboriginal people/cultures
5. identify and appreciate who they are as Aboriginal people

This year, students will explore the curriculum ‘The Fraser River Journey’ which was written by Regan Ross and Rick Blacklaws. The program is based on a documentary that follows a group of twelve BC First Nations youth on a rafting trip down the Fraser River. One of the goals of this project is to explore how Aboriginal youth can develop identity and a place in contemporary society. Another goal is to show how adults are finding ways to help Aboriginal youth participate in a culture that is adapting, regenerating, and changing.

Students will work on making traditional rattles and learn a traditional rattle song. Students will also get an opportunity to attend a half day workshop on Movie Maker at Schou Education Centre. The finished Movie Maker project on self-identity will be shown at the Aboriginal Eagle Feather Achievement Ceremony in June.

• Tuesday, October 12
• Tuesday, November 23
• Tuesday, December 14
• Tuesday, January 25
• Tuesday, March 29
• April-T.B.A
• May-T.B.A.

What is a Student permission-Parent/Guardian Consultation Form?
• It’s a student permission form, a consultation form and an Aboriginal self-Identification form all in one

Who should fill out and return this consultation form?
• If you are a student of Aboriginal decent, either First Nations, Metis, or Inuit

Why should this form be filled out?
• To have access to the programs offered by the District Aboriginal Education Support Team including academic support, Aboriginal circle program, and the Eagle Feather Incentive Program.

Where can you pick up the form?
• You can download the form here: [Click to Download]
• You can also get a form from the main office or drop by student services and ask for Mendo Bjarnson or Shelley Janvier

When does the form need to be returned?
• At the beginning of the school year, preferably by September 23rd.

Mendo Bjarnason-Youth and Family Worker
Email: mendo.bjarnason@sd41.bc.ca
Direct Line: 604-717-5062
Byrne Creek: 604-664-8299-Student Services
Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesdays

Shelley Janvier-Aboriginal Resource Teacher
Email: shelley.janvier@sd41.bc.ca
Direct Line: 604-664-7220
Byrne Creek: 604-664-8299=Student Services
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, Afternoons only