Bob Baker, the unofficial cultural liason to Bowen Island Community School, spent all of Thursday teaching students in each grade the Squamish language song Spakwus Slolem, The Eagle Song. Baker explained that the song is about the eagles re-congregating for the end of the dog salmon (or chum) run.
“They talk about the adventures they’ve had,” he said, adding that the students caught on quickly to the tune and the language.
BICS principal Scott Slater said he is hoping they’ll be able to sing the song at a variety of events and occasions.
“Bob left us the cd, and it will require some practice,” said Slater, “But most importantly, learning this song means that there are 333 more people living on these lands that can speak a few words of the Squamish language.”
