Annieville Elementary marks NIPD with dance, song

By Cathryn Tucker, special to the North Delta Reporter Students and staff at North Delta’s Annieville Elementary recently 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 on and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada. The assembly, led by student MCs Bhavjot and Brianna, opened with a territorial acknowledgement delivered by schoolmates 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 it’s 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,” Shove said. “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. Wilson 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. A version of this story was originally published by the Delta School District.

North Delta, Annieville Elementary, National Indigenous Peoples Day, NIPD, Bhavjot, Brianna, Essey, Chloe, Sarah Shove, Nico, Nathan Wilson, Coast Salish Anthem, Dan George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Wave Warrior, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action