Making Bannock with VSB Aboriginal Worker: Joyce Trumbla

Did you have some of the tasty bannock at the year end celebration? Here is the recipe:
4 c. Flour
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 c oil
3 c water
Mix dry ingredients.  Make a well & add water and oil.  Mix. Gently knead dough (adding flour as necessary). Flatten and poke holes using end of utensil (like a spoon).  Bake at 400 degrees for 30 mins.
Serving suggestions: with butter, crumble into soup, toasted, slice open add omelette & eat like sandwich, or spread with peanut butter & jam.

Basket Weaving from Recycled Materials

Haida and Weaving Artwork made by Students

Aboriginal Education: Weaving

The weaving of cedar bark and roots has been a long standing practice of First Nations communities on the West Coast and woven baskets are a traditional art form. Cedar is not only a key natural resource used in woven goods, but the tree also plays an integral role in the spiritual beliefs and ceremonial life of Coastal Aboriginal Peoples.

Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary students have been learning about weaving using a variety of materials, including recycled newspaper.  Projects are tailored to different age levels in each class.

Lessons have been lead by Vancouver School Board Aboriginal Worker, Loretta Williams.  

Aboriginal Education

Loretta Williams is from the Tsawwassen First Nation and is an Aboriginal Worker that comes to visit Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary.  These visits are part of the Aboriginal Education Program with the Vancouver School Board.  It includes aboriginal content at all grades and across subject areas and units, lessons and activities about history, culture, traditions and contributions. 

During this last visit she discussed the importance of Cedar trees to BC and will start to work on various weaving projects with the kids.  

VSB Volunteers and Helpers: Loretta and Cathleen at Dr. A.R. Lord

Aboriginal Education Support Worker, Loretta

Cathleen in the Dr. A.R. Lord Library

A.R. Lord is fortunate to have the assistance of many wonderful volunteers and helpers who come into our school and work with our children.  They help support a wide variety of programs run by the Vancouver School Board.

Loretta is an Aboriginal Education Enhancement Worker through the Aboriginal Education Program:  http://www.vsb.bc.ca/aboriginal-education.  She was in the school recently and helped out in Division 5 with holiday crafts.

Cathleen is the coordinator of the Knitting Club and recently organized the beautiful yarn bombing of trees in front of the school (decorating the barren trees with bright coloured wool cozies)!  She is also a volunteer for the One-to-One Children's Literacy Program! Check out this feature on her: A Good Book Drive article