Medicine Wheel Teachings at Hugh Boyd Secondary

Graham Shand, our district Elder in residence, will be offering a series of Medicine Wheel Teachings to students at Hugh Boyd Secondary. Thanks to Combined Studies teachers Dikaia Vakakis and Bryce Miller, their students in the Combined Studies Program will participate in an interactive discussion of the principles of the Mind, Body, Emotions, and Spirit of the balanced Medicine Wheel. At the end of November, they will be invited to participate in the powerful ceremony of the Sweat Lodge in Agassiz.

When you read the testimonials of those students who participated in the ceremony last year, it gives you a sense of the power of this ancient practice. This ceremony has been practiced over thousands of years, since time immemorial, because of its healing effect on people. These teachings are priceless and we are very fortunate to have Graham Shand share his knowledge with us.

“The Agassiz Sweat Lodge opened up my third eye and it helped me realize how life is so precious and I need to think about the future. A good eye opener; it answered my own question without thinking about it; it resolved itself.”

  Grade 12 student at Hugh Boyd Secondary

“The Sweat Lodge was pretty cool because it helped me think about lots of stuff; like things in my life that went wrong and things that went right. The choices I make impact my spirit and well-being.”

Grade 9 student at Hugh Boyd Secondary

“The sweat lodge was inspiring! It gave me a connection with my ancestors that I never had before. The ceremony answered a lot of questions without having to ask any.”

Grade 12 student at Hugh Boyd Secondary

“After the lodge I felt like I can run a marathon if I set my mind to it. It felt empowering. I think overall it was a good learning experience; it gave me a chance to explore myself and learn about other people. When every one introduced themselves around the circle with their names and nations it gave me a sense of belonging and community. It felt really good.”

Grade 12 student at Hugh Boyd Secondary

For more information please contact Monique Giard, Aboriginal Success Teacher, mgiard@sd38.bc.ca.