At Urban Academy, we strive to integrate diverse perspectives across our planning and classes. Honouring Indigenous cultures is essential to Canadian history and central to our school’s mission to be ‘connected through learning’. As a Grade 4 Teacher and Indigenous Education Team Lead, my role is to embed these perspectives by planning school-wide events, hosting guest speakers, and supporting teachers in expanding their curriculum.
There are a number of opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge of Indigenous cultures and engage in meaningful learning experiences:
- Monday, Sept 21: Three Crows Productions presented the story The Raven to Grades JK–7.
- Tuesday, Sept 29: Our friends Eli and Pavel will host an interactive Q&A session followed by a traditional hoop dance performance. An annual tradition UA Students have come to know and love!
- Throughout the Week: All classes will learn about Land Acknowledgements and draft their own, setting goals for learning about and supporting Indigenous nations
These initiatives reflect our value of Belonging, where every student’s unique lived experiences, identities, and perspectives are respected, included, and safe. They also support our Profile of a UA Graduate by guiding students to become culturally responsive citizens who honour the history and traditional territories of the Qayqayt, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Nations and other Coast Salish peoples’ lands on which our school resides.
With school closed on Tuesday, September 30, for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we encourage families to participate in local events:
- North Van: Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA) | 10am – 5pm Hands-on cultural experiences, guided tours, and family activities led by Indigenous programmers.
- Vancouver (September 29): BCIT Downtown Campus | 5pm A “Truth & Reconciliation Through Film” documentary screening and panel discussion hosted by BCEFF & BCEIA.
- Vancouver: Trout Lake Community Centre | 12:30pm – 2:45pm A double-feature screening of NFB documentaries exploring Indigenous identity and resilience.
- Coquitlam: Place des Arts | 1pm (Registration Required) Storytelling, artist showcases, and hands-on art-making alongside the Coquitlam Public Library.
- Maple Ridge (September 27): Memorial Peace Park | 9:30am – 3pm Co-hosted by Katzie First Nation, featuring an opening march, guest speakers, cultural performances, vendor markets, and orange shirt painting.
These events support Indigenous communities and causes and are meaningful opportunities for reconciliation.
Thank you for partnering with us to foster understanding, respect, and active reconciliation.
Warmly,
Carolina Almeida, Indigenous Education Team Lead and Teacher (Grade 4)