Many classrooms across the District had an extra focus on Indigenous learning in the lead up to National Indigenous Peoples Day and throughout National Indigenous History Month.
A group of students and their teacher at Rosser Elementary applied for and received a $1000 grant from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Imagine a Canada project. Through the grant and in the spirit of reconciliation, they were able to hold assemblies with an Elder, have deeper learnings and grow in their understanding about residential schools. Elder Doctor Roberta Price from the Coast Salish Territory of Snuneymuxw and Cowichan Nations led a moving series of assemblies at the end of May for primary and intermediate students, sharing her teachings, wisdom, warmth and stories.
At Morley Elementary, a Grade 6/7 class was treated to bannock and a feast, when student Ava and her Mom prepared their family recipe of Nisga’a tacos.
Indigenous games were integrated into Sports Day at Edmonds and Maywood Community Schools.
Several schools, such as Maywood, unveiled Indigenous art and other projects that were created over many months in the spirit of reconciliation. Their new mural was a collaboration between students and Katzie First Nation artist Trenton Pierre.
A special ceremony was held at Taylor Park Elementary to unveil the completed totem and panel that now greets all who enter the school. Simon James from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation led the project and Indigenous teachings. Learn more.
At Burnaby South Secondary, students gathered for a spectacular Learning Powwow.
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, Elder Alice Guss from the Squamish Nation taught students at Burnaby North Secondary how to harvest cedar bark.
Under the guidance of Squamish Nation Elder Alroy Baker and Cultural Student Ianna Lewis, students from Alpha Secondary represented the District in Drums Across North and South America in a video compilation for National Indigenous Peoples Day. It can be viewed here (at the 56:40 mark).
Learn about more projects in Indigenous Education in our schools here.
Posted June 2022