Walk the school-to-sea trail these days and, tucked into the forest at the end of the school field near the new wetland restoration, you will see a handsome interpretive sign showcasing the Ayajuthem language and student work. The sign features native forest plants, the Ayajuthem language, and illustrations by the Cortes Island Academy students. Jessie Louie, a Klahoose elder, is working with others to revitalize and teach Ayajuthem, a Coast Salish dialect, at Klahoose and the Cortes School. Jessie had students spellbound in the Children’s Forest with stories of her father and her childhood days. This culminated in the interpretive sign of native forest plants. How many of these plants can you find along the trail?

This was a collaboration between the Klahoose First Nation, the Children’s Forest Trust, the Cortes Island Academy, and the Cortes School. Emote!