In 2021, St. Michaels University School were guided to create an Indigenous Scholar position to strengthen authentic relationships with local Indigenous communities and deepen student learning. The first to hold this role was renowned Salish artist Dylan Thomas, Qwul’thilum, of the Lyackson Nation. Over three inspiring years, Dylan worked with students and teachers across all grades, sharing teachings, stories, and art that helped the SMUS community explore Indigenous ways of knowing.
As the Indigenous Scholars program enters its next phase, SMUS is proud to welcome three new scholars, building on the strong foundation established during Dylan Thomas’s inaugural term and expanding opportunities for learning across the Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools.
Expanding Knowledge and Connections
SMUS will now learn from Andrew Balfour, of Cree descent, an award-winning composer, conductor, singer, and sound designer whose work will inspire students in music and performance; Gisele Martin, of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, a cultural educator, storyteller, singer, and composer whose deep knowledge of language, ecology, and ethno-botany will connect students to the land and local ecosystems; and Hwiemtun, of the Quw’utsun Nation, a master storyteller and musician who shares oral histories and traditional teachings that invite reflection and relationship-building.
Each scholar will work directly with students and faculty, weaving Indigenous knowledge into classes, projects, and activities in ways that are both meaningful and age-appropriate.
Learning in Relationship
In British Columbia, ten First Peoples Principles of Learning, developed by Indigenous Elders, scholars, and knowledge keepers, guide the curriculum and teaching of the English First Peoples course created in 2006-07 by the BC Ministry of Education and the First Nations Education Steering Committee. Those principles have expanded across all Indigenous knowledge sharing at SMUS.
"Learning is relational," described Denise Lamarche, Director Academics. "At SMUS, we are committed to the First Peoples Principles of Learning. Having Indigenous Scholars allows us to bring to life the fact that learning is holistic, experiential, and relational. It focuses on connectedness, reciprocity, and a sense of place. The Indigenous Scholars program brings these principles to life."
Examples of how the Indigenous Scholars might work with students this year include: Grade 4 students can explore their class theme of connections to place through storytelling with Gisele Martin; Middle School Makers Club members can learn rope-making and traditional weaving with Hwiemtun; Senior School students in English First Peoples 10 can engage with oral storytelling; and Andrew Balfour can collaborate with music classes to create and perform new works.
These are just the first steps in a growing journey. Through the presence of these scholars, SMUS continues to build authentic, respectful relationships and create opportunities for students to experience Indigenous knowledge firsthand.
The addition of three Indigenous Scholars marks an exciting new chapter for SMUS. As the school community honours Dylan Thomas’s groundbreaking contributions and welcomes Andrew Balfour, Gisele Martin, and Hwiemtun, students will gain new opportunities to learn, listen, and connect—deepening their understanding of the land we share and the cultures that shape it.
Read more about Andrew, Gisele and Hwiemtun below:
Of Cree descent, Andrew Balfour is an innovative composer, conductor, singer, and sound designer with an extensive body of choral, instrumental, electro-acoustic, and orchestral works. He is the founder and Artistic Director of Camerata Nova, now in its 22nd season of presenting a concert series in Winnipeg. With Camerata Nova, Andrew is known for creating “concept concerts,” many exploring Indigenous themes through an eclectic mix of new compositions, arrangements, and interdisciplinary collaborations. He is also deeply committed to music education and outreach, working on northern reserves and in inner-city Winnipeg schools in partnership with the National Arts Centre, Camerata Nova, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and local school divisions.
Gisele Martin is a citizen of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and a Nuu-chah-nulth language and culture activist, educator, storyteller, singer, and composer. Through the Raincoast Education Society, she leads Yucḥap Panač, a program that offers cultural outdoor field trips, ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ / Tla-o-qui-aht language classes, cultural workshops, and traditional food security initiatives in ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ / Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht territories. A passionate advocate for the preservation and revitalization of traditional knowledge and languages, Gisele embraces the belief that the land is the greatest university and that learning is a lifelong journey.
Hwiemtun is from the unceded traditional territory of the Quw’utsun’ people on Vancouver Island. Born and raised in Khowutzun territory (“the Warm Land”) by a Coast Salish mother, he received many teachings of his Coast Salish culture and, through years of learning from Elders, deepened his understanding of the cultural and spiritual traditions of his ancestors. He is also of Hawaiian lineage on his father’s side. For more than 30 years, Hwiemtun has travelled the world to share and explore Indigenous ways of being with Elders and healers from diverse nations. A gifted storyteller and intercultural teacher, he uses oral history, music, and traditional teachings in his presentations, workshops, and ceremonies to foster understanding of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing.
