Cook Elementary is doing its part to help connect students with Aboriginal culture. On Monday, January 26, Cook was visited by world famous Lillooet hoop dancer Alex Wells and Sto:lo drummer Nelson Leon.

During the morning, Wells showed off some basic hooping moves and got the school's intermediate classes to try their hand with juggling three hoops simultaneously. Meanwhile, Leon taught the school's primary grades about the sacred power of the drum. 

"The students were completely engaged. They were very dynamic and compelling speakers. It was so important for them to share this knowledge with everyone," said organizer and project teacher Lael Sleep.

In the afternoon, everyone came together in the school gym. While Leon drummed and Wells' daughter, who was 11, danced, Wells showed the kids how to juggle 20 hoops - all at the same time.

Sleep says the visit from the two performers was aimed at building connections among students about indigenous peoples and their culture.

"Cook Elementary is supporting the aboriginal enhancement agreement's goals of building a sense of belonging place and pride to help elevate aboriginal traditions," says Sleep.