Why Stein Valley Nlakapamux School?
SVNS offers a unique learning environment.
Stein Valley Nlakapamux School is located in the beautiful Fraser Canyon on the traditional Nlakapamux First Nation territory. The school is surrounded by mountains, boasts large amounts of open spaces, and is home to some of the best views around! SVNS is more than just a visually beautiful place. The school building, which was opened in 2009, is very environmentally friendly, utilizing geo-thermal heat as well as solar panels, to create as small of an environmental footprint as possible. The school is also home to a large agriculture program that uses composting, animal husbandry, and recycling to encourage environmental responsibility and self-sufficiency.
Possibly the most unique characteristic of Stein Valley Nlakapamux School is the 12-month calendar that was introduced by the Board of Directors in 2015. This calendar does not work off of the western educational calendar, but instead matches the Nlakapamux traditional seasons. This allows students and staff to have more frequent breaks throughout the school year and also minimizes “Summer Learning Loss” that can happen over a two-month break.
Possibly the most unique characteristic of Stein Valley Nlakapamux School is the 12-month calendar that was introduced by the Board of Directors in 2015. This calendar does not work off of the western educational calendar, but instead matches the Nlakapamux traditional seasons. This allows students and staff to have more frequent breaks throughout the school year and also minimizes “Summer Learning Loss” that can happen over a two-month break.
Another characteristic that sets SVNS apart from many schools in the province is the heavy focus on language and culture. Students are instructed in Nlha.kapamuhhchEEN from K4 all the way through grade 12 and are taken on many cultural trips throughout the year. Students attend hunting and fishing camps, harvest local medicinal plants, and are given the history of sacred spots throughout the territory. They are also provided with regular Nlha.kapamuhhchEEN language classes that combine outdoor and indoor education.
At SVNS we believe that education is something that should be fun and engaging as well as academically challenging. With that in mind, the school has created a skatepark, video games clubs, sports teams, homework clubs, theatre clubs, and many more extra-curricular opportunities. If you are someone that enjoys time in the outdoors, has a passion for First Nation culture, and enjoys working “outside the box,” then SVNS might be a great fit for you!
At SVNS we believe that education is something that should be fun and engaging as well as academically challenging. With that in mind, the school has created a skatepark, video games clubs, sports teams, homework clubs, theatre clubs, and many more extra-curricular opportunities. If you are someone that enjoys time in the outdoors, has a passion for First Nation culture, and enjoys working “outside the box,” then SVNS might be a great fit for you!
