Artwork by The Douglas Fir Pod (Learning Community)
Norma Rose Point School is a Kindergarten to Grade 8 School that opened 3 years ago on the original site of University Hill Secondary on the University Endowment Lands of the University of British Columbia. The School in located on Musqueam ancestral lands and named after reknowned Musqueam Elder and educational leader, Norma “Rose” Point. Students are organized into nine learning communities of two to five classes of students. Students and staff are encouraged to ask questions, work collaboratively and share their learning with peers.
The articulation of the First People’s Principles by FNESC, the surrounding land, the significance of the signing of the Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement with the Vancouver School Board and the new curriculum in B.C. has opened our minds to learning about and embracing Indigenous ways of knowing. Indigenous cultures demonstrated one of the earliest expressions of democratic structures of governance by problem solving and making decisions in circles that gave equal voice and power to all people in the group. That is what we strive to do at Rose Point School.
Martin Brokenleg has been inspirational in Indigenous, as well as educational spheres. His Circle of Courage was initially framed as a model of positive youth development in the book Reclaiming Youth at Risk, co-authored by Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern.
As explained in the link, “The model integrates Native American philosophies of child-rearing, the heritage of early pioneers in education and youth work, and contemporary resilience research. Brokenleg et al. identify belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity as basic growth needs of all children to thrive.” (Brokenleg et al.) It has served as the basis for framing the Code of Conduct at Norma Rose Point Elementary School. 
Students are challenged to think of their unique qualities and “voice” they bring to the group, as well as their responsibility to maintain the safety and nurturing aspect of the community. Indigenous symbols that are meaningful in Coast Salish Culture are used to represent the big ideas presented in the Norma Rose Point (aka NRP) Circle of Courage. Belonging is central to the definition of Community and symbolized by bear. Kindness is used to put the focus on generousness of giving of self rather than goods and is symbolized by the whale. Independence is symbolized by the dragonfly and represents our ability to take responsibility for our learning and actions. The beaver represents taking responsibility for attaining goals to maintain health, curiosity and lifelong learning.
I came to Norma Rose Point as Vice Principal in January. Of course this role includes many discussions about the whole gamut of choices made by students. The beauty of the NRP Circle of Courage is it changes the conversation. Students are able to reflect on who they are and the choices they are making and their commitment to the community. Discussion of restorative justice frames the process. The goal is to help students apply the Circle of Courage to their lives in and out of school throughout their lives.
ADDENDUM NOTE: For a powerful description of the First People’s Principles of Learning, check out Laura Tait. Her explanantion with pictures and stories of her family is inspirational.
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