From top left to right: Sky, Stanley, Lucas, Jeremiah, Leonard, Erika, Bernie, Mel Bottom left to right: Cayla, Sarah and Ria
The goal of this project was to create and share Hul’q’umi’num language resources through puppetry – by students, for students. We worked with Penelakut Island Elementary School (PIES) students encouraging creative expression, and deepening their connection to their language through play.
This project brought together students, teachers, GCA educators, and community liaisons for an engaging, hands-on experience. We started by bringing over a lively cast of animal puppets and a puppet theater to the class. On day one, the students were so excited that they wanted to make their own unique puppets. So that is what we did!!
Ria Okuda and Earl Jack with his Moon puppet creation!
Our second visit was a crafting day where students designed and created characters and props for their skits. It was a day filled with glue guns, concentration and feelings of accomplishment as their visions came to life.
On the following visit to Penelakut, we practiced Hul’q’umi’num names and phrases with guidance from Jeannine Georgeson and the Classroom teacher Cayla Hoefsloot. We learned and laughed together as Fergus the Fungus tried his hand at speaking Hul’q’umi’num and the student characters responded with their Hul’q’umi’num names.
Lucas, Leonard, Earl and Ramona sharing their completed work.
The students put so much hard work and heart into their puppet projects, we had to share it with the school! On May 30th, the class pulled out all the stops and set up the perfect puppet theater venue in the central meeting area of the school. The students made popcorn, set up cozy blankets, and decorated the space to present their work. Despite some pre-show jitters, the room filled with smiles, laughter, and applause as each group presented their show. After the show, the students were buzzing with confidence, relief, and accomplishment.
PIES whole school performance day!
The final aspect of this project was creating video footage of their work. Dylan Smith came and filmed each skit with proper gear and microphones! It made us feel very professional and the kids shined behind the stage.
Thank you to Bobbi-jo Basarab, Jeannine Georgeson, Deblekha Guin, Melvin Jack, Malley Joe, Cayla Hoefsloot, and all the staff at PIES for your generosity, enthusiasm and knowledge bringing this project to life.
We are so grateful to have partnered with this amazing school and group of students. This project was filled with learning, creativity, and connection and we are excited to continue building relationships and dreaming up new projects together! Thanks to our generous funders for making this work happen: Heritage BC, Government of Canada’s Multiculturalism and Anti Racism Program, The Victoria Foundation, and Hamber Foundation.
