Annieville Elementary Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

Nico performing the Grass Dance

Recently, students and staff at Annieville Elementary came together for a special assembly to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD), which takes place annually on June 21. The event provided an opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.

The assembly was led by student MCs Bhavjot and Brianna and opened with a territorial acknowledgement delivered by Essey and Chloe. Students were introduced to the meaning of National Indigenous Peoples Day—why it is recognized, why it matters, and the importance of learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, and experiences. Principal Sarah Shove explained that its no coincidence that NIPD falls on the longest day of the year, as many First Nation and Inuit communities traditionally celebrate at this time of year.

A highlight of the assembly was a performance by Kindergarten student Nico, who showcased exceptional dancing skills. Nico, who has performed at powwows across the Lower Mainland, performed a traditional dance in full regalia to the song Men’s Traditional by the Northern Cree Singers of Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta.

“Students enjoyed seeing Nico share his dance and experiencing an important part of Indigenous culture and tradition,” said Principal Sarah Shove. “Today’s assembly is helping us learn more about Indigenous cultures and the importance of respect, recognition, and reconciliation—values that are reflected in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”

The learning continued as the district’s Indigenous Cultural Mentor, Nathan Wilson, taught students and staff part of the Coast Salish Anthem, a song gifted by Chief Dan George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Nathan explained that anytime you sing someone else’s song, it is important to acknowledge where that song came from.

Nico later returned to perform the Grass Dance, one of the oldest and most significant traditional dances of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples. Rooted in history, the dance originated within warrior societies and was traditionally performed to bless the ground and prepare it for ceremonies and community gatherings by flattening tall prairie grass.

The assembly also highlighted student learning beyond the stage. Anvith shared a slideshow featuring artwork created by classmates, reflecting their exploration of Coast Salish cultures, creativity, and connection to community traditions.

To conclude the celebration, Nico led students and staff in a Round Dance, a social dance that brings people together in a circle to celebrate connection, unity and community.

Following the assembly, students were able to get a close look at the district’s Journey Canoe, Wave Warrior. The National Indigenous Peoples Day assembly was a great example of the district’s commitment to learning about and embracing Indigenous ways of knowing.