Students and staff in schools across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows spent time during the last week of September to mark Truth and Reconciliation week in meaningful ways.
The hallways at Alouette Elementary were covered in handprints made of orange paper with the same message written across: “I matter.”
The school-wide activity was led by Indigenous education support worker Melissa Bailey.
“I had (each) student write their name and ‘I matter’ because it’s important for every child to know that they are valued, they are important and they are our future,” she explained. “I chose to use orange handprints to show your own hand can play a big role in reconciliation by listening, learning about truth and reconciliation, and speaking up against racism.”
Bailey explained to the students that the reason they’re doing the orange hand prints is to recognize that every single one of them matters.
“That every culture, religion, language spoken, clothes that we wear, food that we eat, should be respected and embraced,” she said. “Every kid in the world matters and we should all respect one another.”
Students at Alexander Robinson Elementary learned about the power of storytelling in music and the Halq’eméylem language and culture through a performance by the Good Medicine Songs group. They performed four bilingual songs in Halq’eméylem, the traditional Stó:lō language of the Fraser Valley, and English.
At Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary (SRT), students in Grade 11 learned about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. They created posters about the calls that were displayed in the school cafeteria.
Leadership students at SRT also planned and organized a school-wide truth and reconciliation assembly that featured a drum circle with all students participating.
“It was a powerful and meaningful event for our school community,” said Darren Rowell, SRT principal.
ci:tməxw Environmental Community students also took part in drumming and made pastel feathers while talking about the work they want to do towards truth and reconciliation. The students also did orange shirt felting.
Students at Whonnock Elementary did a school-wide reflection activity on what orange shirt day is all about and what they can do to honour residential school survivors. Each class decorated an orange paper shirt with orange heart cut outs featuring messages like “every child matters,” “you are loved,” and “all our relations.” The orange shirts were then put up in the front entry way.
Davie Jones Elementary students put up an “every child matters” display board to showcase their learning, while Hammond Elementary held an assembly with a guest speaker.
At Pitt Meadows Elementary, Grade 6 French immersion student leader Bodhi began the school’s assembly by sharing his individual land acknowledgement and personal connection to the land in both English and French. Several other classes presented as well.
“The students and classes who presented served as powerful role models, demonstrating respect, leadership, and a commitment to learning,” said Brandy McIntyre, principal of Pitt Meadows Elementary. “Their contributions helped create a meaningful and impactful experience for our school community.”
Students also participated in a gallery walk featuring words, concepts, and discussion questions related to truth and reconciliation.
“The experience encouraged thoughtful conversations, reflection, and deeper understanding,” McIntyre said.