Ann's Eye: The meaning of a First Nation's school name
Ann Paul | CBC News | Posted: October 15, 2022 1:00 PM | Last Updated: October 15, 2022
Ann Paul captures a renaming ceremony in photos
Image | Pilick Photo One
Caption: Wolokehkitimok means 'a place of holistic learning.' For Pilick community members, the new name reflects a school that will incorporate all aspects of their culture, from land-based learning to language revitalization. (Ann Paul/CBC)
The Wulastukw Wolokehkitimok school in Pilick, Kingsclear First Nation, is a place where children learn more than just the standard curriculum.
Students also learn about their language and culture, and the reason behind the school's new name, which translates to "a place of holistic learning."
The community unveiled the new name on Wednesday in a ceremony at the school. The same day, Chief Gabby Atwin announced the community's official language is now Wolastoqey.
CBC hired Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey woman and photographer, to gather images from the ceremony. Here are some of the photos she took.
Image | Pilick Photo Two
Caption: Principal Ramona Solomon, a granddaughter of Charles Solomon, called the day historic. For her, the legacy of residential schools and day schools makes it vital that the community’s children learn the Wolastoqey language. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Image | Pilick Photo Three
Caption: Kingsclear First Nation Chief Gabby Atwin said it was a wonderful day for the community, and that students are already learning to speak the Wolastoqey language. 'We have to bring our language back to our communities,' he said. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Image | Pilick Photo Four
Caption: A sacred fire burned during the naming ceremony. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Image | Pilick Photo Five
Caption: Elders say the school’s new name also means to 'think, love, and learn in our language' as students are taught in Wolastoqey. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Image | Pilick Photo Six
Caption: Children sang and drummed as part of the naming ceremony. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Image | Pilick Photo Seven
Caption: As the school's new name was unveiled, Chief Gabby Atwin announced the community's official language is now Wolastoqey. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Image | Pilick Photo Eight
Caption: Students are greeted by objects from their culture as they enter the school. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Image | Pilick Photo Nine
Caption: The Pilick community hopes to someday have early childhood and adult immersion language classes so more people can learn Wolastoqey. (Ann Paul/CBC)
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