THE FIRST WEEK

Our journey into Kyuquot was quite epic. We began the day in Vancouver and journeyed to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. From there we went through Cambell river and on up to Gold River. Here we spent the night and were introduced to the district staff. Our principal, Jeff Rockwell, led us the rest of the way to Kyuquot the following day, which involved going through Zeballos (pop. 125 ) and on to Fair Harbour (mostly logging roads) where we were water taxied the remaining way to Kyuquot, arriving after dark.

Our accommodation is a teacherage that is much longer than it is wide. And of course, the key was not to be found upon arrival, so we waited in the Kyuquot darkness getting bit by mosquitoes. Finally, the key was retrieved and we happily retired our travel worn bodies for the evening. It was an 8:30 a.m. start and a ‘beach day’ on Aktis island was planned.

Our teacherage in Kyuquot.

Though weather changed our time of departure to Aktis we ended up heading out in the afternoon and spent the day enjoying the sun, water, kayaks, and fire cooked salmon and the company of the Kyuquot school and broader community. It was a great introduction to Kyuquot. We also met many of the teaching staff and students that we will be spending our time with during our stay.

Fire cooked salmon on Aktis.

Let me introduce you to this town.  Kyuquot is a little Hamlet located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island at 50.03 N and 127.36 W. It is one of at least twelve Nuucaanut (Pronounced: Nu-chal-nuch) speaking nations on the West Coast that speak different dialects of this language. The official population in Kyuquot is approximately 150 people although nearly 200 people reside here at any one time. The Kyuquot peoples are a mix of the Kyuquot and Cheklesahht bands whose heritage dates back to 4000 years ago where there is archeological evidence of life on Aktis island (information from oral local knowledge).

A Kyuquot woman on Aktis Island from our Beach Day on Aktis

So, it is fitting that we began our first day in Kyuquot with a school community day on Aktis itself.  The school has 45 kids and is a mix of grades from K – 12.   Many of the classrooms span three grades which provide significant challenges for the teachers in terms of meeting each child where they are at and differentiating their teaching strategies.  The kids themselves are at a variety of different learning levels and many have individual education plans.  As well, F.A.S.D. effects some of the school population and in turn learning processes.  Overall, the general ethos of learning is very unique to this context.  The kids approach learning in their own ways and the teacher must creatively work with them to achieve learning goals.  The best teaching strategies from our perspective so far appear to be going with the flow and getting to know the kids from a personal level.  Once they are comfortable with the relationships established I believe these kids will be much more open to any learning that might take place and more receptive to teaching strategies.  So the goal over the next few weeks is to develop abiding and meaningful connections with the kids in the school.

The other thing to note is the current labour dispute that is taking place among B.C. schools.  Of course, this is effecting our practicum and what will be taking place during our time here.  Yesterday was a rotating strike day for our district and we spent the day out on the picket lines of Kyuquot.  This was a great opportunity to feel part of a team and community standing together for a common purpose. It will be interesting to see what direction this dispute moves and how it  will pertain to our experiences during this practicum.

For now I will leave a medley of photo’s that further summarize some of our experiences to date.

Prepping for the trip to Fair Harbour in Gold River.

Kayaking of the shore of Aktis Island.

Some nearly petrified coral found washed up on the local beach.

Artwork on the roof of one of the classrooms at KESS (Kyuquot Elementary/Secondary School)

Making oatmeal cookies with the Grade 1 – 3’s.

Next week we will look at what has changed or worked for us in Kyuquot.