Cheslakees School and Early Learning Centre is situated on the unceded territory of the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Nations. We are fortunate to share these lands. We are part of a wider community of early learning professional groups in the building, including but not limited to a new day care opening in September; Happy Trails Childcare, Strong Start, Promising Babies, and Toddler Time. The building is surrounded by open field areas, playgrounds, and pathways into the local forested areas which we access regularly. A greenhouse and an outdoor garden located just outside the classrooms enhance the focus on nature and outdoor programs. We continually infuse the local Indigenous context into all areas of our day.
We would like to recognize the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and peoples from Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Nations, who share these traditional territories with us so we can live, learn, work, and play side-by-side. We also want to acknowledge our people who have come before, our ancestors who have guided us and taught us how to live on these lands in a good way.