Stream of Dreams project

BY LAUREN VANDERHAM TEACHER

“Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.” (First Peoples Principles of Learning, FNESC).

Female salmon lay thousands of eggs. Currently, less than one percent of those eggs survive to about them through a colleague. After sitting on a waiting list, she began training with Dervish last December before he fully moved in with her in January.

“He has lots of fun,” she said. “He the next generation (Pacific Salmon Foundation, 2022).

We want this knowledge to be a part of the classroom and community dialogue. At Seymour Heights Elementary, we understand how fundamental salmon are within the environment. We also understand we have the power to create change.

Through the teachings of Tchilaqs7Tchila (Gordon Dick), his son Gordie, and Swalklanexw (Dallas Guss), and using art and story, students explored the integral role of salmon within Coast Salish culture. After learning about salmon in the past and present, students and staff engaged in the Stream of Dreams Fish on Fences project.

This experience allowed students to expand their knowledge of local salmon and watersheds from field experts, as well as create a collaborative mural on the school grounds.

We believe the salmon on Seymour supports me too [by] grounding me. He gets me outside, taking a break. Or I walk with kids outside, and then I'm moving myself so I probably am healthier for him –physically healthier and [mentally].” ■

Heights’ fence represent connection, resiliency, and hope for a better future. They also represent community, and that we need each other to succeed.

We anticipate the art will inspire others to learn more about the importance of salmon, resulting in small- and large-scale change.

The First Peoples Principles of Learning helped shape our experience, as we were reminded that the benefits of engaging in such a process does not solely affect one component. Indeed, by supporting salmon, we are sure to see growth within ourselves, community, and the interconnectedness of the land.

We hold our hands up in appreciation to the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Stream of Dreams Foundation for their support and guidance with this project. ■