North Vancouver School District
the natural place to learn©
Jun 23
Aboriginal Day Celebrations on the North Shore

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​On June 21, schools across Canada celebrated National Aboriginal Day. This acknowledges the First Nations, Inuit and Métis in celebrating their heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements! 

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Check out the highlights of what some schools on the North Shore did to acknowledge this day.

Norgate Community Elementary

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Carving by Jody (Sinámkin) Broomfield, which will be unveiled on June 28, 2017. The carving pays homage to a woman picking berries along the Capilano River, which is part of the history of this area.

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Heather Myhre, a First Nations Support Teacher at Norgate Community School, teaching students traditional finger weaving.

Says Myhre, "We gathered together as a school to come up with a program for all the kids to celebrate and acknowledge our traditional day."

Tewanee Joseph and his team entertained students with traditional folk music. Tewanee is a man of many talents from music to business.  He is also a member of the Squamish First Nation and is half Maori.

Eastview Elementary

At least 50 students from the Capilano Reserve Little Ones School (Xwemelch'stn  Etsimxwawtxw) joined the celebrations at Eastview Elementary School.

The beautiful décor and artwork for the celebration was put together by Ms. Cindy Ryan and her Grade 6 Class.

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The opening celebration commenced with Aaron Williams, Francis Lewis and Dallas Guss sharing traditional language and drumming. 

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Says, Guss, "The beating of the drum represents the heartbeat of mother nature and it brings us together through song."

Heather Myhre added that the welcome song is determined by the Aboriginal community you belong to. "The drum beat is used to open and close a procession."

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Says Principal from Eastview Elementary, Rob Smyth, "The planning and coordination of the event involves continued reflection of our experiences throughout the year and approaching the day with an open mind and open heart, letting the celebration unfold in an authentic way. "

Part of the exciting line up of activities included the Popcorn game. Kids have to work in pairs to make a Thunderbird on top and Totem pole at the bottom, a Boathouse or Fireplace. This was a pretty fun game to watch and learn.

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