The Literacy Circle: Sharing humour, warmth, and wisdom through storytelling.
The Literacy Circle welcomes Indigenous Elders and Adults, Residential and Day School Survivors and Multi-generational Survivors, to learn English literacy skills in a supportive and safe environment.
TLC also offers story-writing classes that support literacy skill-building.
Our wish is to reach as many Learners as possible.
Please help spread the word.
The Learners at The Literacy Circle would like to welcome you to listen to
their stories and their learning journeys.
Yvonne
Louisa
Cathy
Florence
Joanne
* Most Indigenous peoples share similar worldviews which include a deep respect and reverence for elderly community members.
TLC recognizes and acknowledges that the language used across territories may differ, however since the roots of TLC are in Snuneymuxw traditional territory, we defer to the Snuneymuxw protocol of spelling ‘elders’ with a lower case ‘e’.
The Literacy Circle ~ Learning for Life
The Education Component
The Education Component supports the learning of reading and writing through storytelling. Learners share their stories and, with Instructor teachings, write them to then share with their families, friends and classmates. Each adult and elder is individually assessed to determine literacy and comprehension skills. Learners are paired into appropriate groups and work with their teacher to build their skills.
The Learning for Life Component
Cell phone, computer literacy tutoring and basic math teachings are also available at The Literacy Circle. The Learning for Life Component also provides opportunities for a variety of experiences including field trips. Past trips include: visits to the local library; concerts (like Snotty Nose Rez Kids); live theatre plays and dance focusing on Indigenous narratives; museum and special tours focusing on Indigenous archives; and art galleries.
The Learners' Advocate Component
The third component offered is the Learners' Advocate. The Advocate assists Learners in breaking down systemic and literacy barriers in day to day life. This individual oversees transportation, the delivery of lunches and school supplies. They also advocate for the Learners' non-educational needs to be met whenever possible including helping learners to fill out forms for housing, medical services, food security and transportation. The Advocate connects Learners with Indigenous Liaison nurses and cultural workers.
Class Venues and Schedules
In Snuneymuxw territory (Nanaimo BC) classes are held at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
Classes are starting again for the Spring Session of 2025!
First class is on Thursday March 27th, from 12-3pm.
Please sign up as a Learner on the "Join Us" page on this website or call the Advocate at (250) 880-6053 to register in Nanaimo.
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In Lekwungen Territory (Victoria BC) classes are held at the Saanich Centennial Libary at Pearkes Arena.
Classes for Spring 2025 start on
Tuesday April 1st from 12pm - 3pm.
Please sign up as a Learner on the “Join Us” page of this website, or call the Advocate at (250) 880-6053.
Enrolment is ongoing - call to sign up and join anytime!
Classes are free and include writing supplies,
tea and appetizers
The Literacy Circle Society
The Literacy Circle Society is a not-for-profit society. The Literacy Circle ~ Learning for Life program offers an opportunity for Indigenous elders and adults to learn English literacy skills in a supportive environment.
The Literacy Circle Society acknowledges and gives thanks to the Snuneymuxw and Lekwungen people, on whose traditional lands we learn, teach and live. We raise our hands in gratitude for their ongoing protection of the beautiful land we share.
Want to get involved?
We are working to bring this program to other communities. Please fill out forms on the Get Involved page if you want to participate.
Intake forms available for interested elders, teachers, and community volunteers.
The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action are being brought to life by these generous funders and partners:
