National Aboriginal Day celebrated at James Kennedy Elementary

June 21, 2017

Videos of traditional dances, ceremonies, and interviews with first nations peoples were playing when the kids of James Kennedy Elementary gathered in assembly on June 21 for National Aboriginal Day. When the room quieted down, the assembly opened with speaker, Vice Principal Carolyn Roberts, thanking the students and recognizing that the school sits on unceded territory.

A video was shown, showcasing different types of traditional dancing, drumming, and singing, with singer, Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Following this, Adina Williams from the Squamish nation spoke of her family’s history, and of residential schools. She mentioned that though Canada is celebrating 150 years, the nations of this land have been here for thousands of years. She encouraged understanding between all the peoples of Canada.

The kids of James Kennedy then took over the assembly, with the first group coming up to recite a story by Roy Henry Vickers. It was the story of “How Raven Brings the Light”. After this Mrs. O’Shea’s kindergarten class came up to sing. Mme. Missel and Mrs. Anderson’s class then gathered with recorders, xylophones, and various other instruments to perform a celebration song called Hina na hoho. The last student performance was done by four girls dancing a traditional Māori dance.

Teachers Jen Fontaine and Jenn Calado were then honoured by Roberts with blankets. Roberts presented her heartfelt thanks to the two teachers for their continued efforts to teach children “the true, shared history” of the land and its peoples. “They’ve taught students the beauty, language, traditions, of the first nations peoples, and the unfortunate history with residential schools,” said Roberts. She thanked them for teaching reconciliation, and ended stating that their efforts will bring beneficial changes in the community, for the aboriginal peoples for generations to come.

The assembly ended with the drumming and singing of the Women Warrior’s Song.