June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD), and this year marks the 27th anniversary of Canada as a Nation celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nation, Inuit and Metis peoples.
Staff in the Delta School District understand the vital role education plays in teaching and learning about the shared history of Canada. It is through building cultural understandings, hearing the stories of Indigenous peoples and making room for Indigenous ways of knowing and being that we will build a stronger community and ultimately a stronger country. Delta students and teachers look forward to having Nathan “Kaanaax Kuwoox” Wilson, Indigenous Cultural Mentor, visit their schools and classrooms throughout the year to share his heritage, culture and experiences.
For the last eight years, employees in the Delta School District start school assemblies, formal presentations, district and Board meetings, and public events with a Land Acknowledgment. The Delta School District is situated on the ancestral, traditional and unceded lands of the Tsawwassen First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band and all Hun’qumi’num speaking people who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.
“Two years ago, during the Pandemic, the Indigenous Education department introduced a district-wide Monday Morning Welcome and Acknowledgement of the Territory over Zoom. The feedback we have received and the participation rate with teachers, students and district staff confirms that this is a good way to start each week,” said Diane Jubinville, District Principal, Indigenous Education. “There are now approximately 36 classes involving more than 1,000 students and teachers participating each week.”
Yesterday, the Indigenous Education Department hosted their annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration with Indigenous families at Deas Island Regional Park. Today, on NIPD, we encourage everyone to think on an individual level what they can do to learn more about Indigenous Peoples in Canada and to reflect on what Reconciliation means to you – that’s where Reconciliation starts. We raise our hands to all Canadians who are on this journey of Reconciliation with us. You can learn more by visiting the following websites:
