Written by: Margie Trovao, principal of Grandview ¿uuqinak’uuh Elementary

June is typically a busy month, and this year was no exception. Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month are both important celebrations for the students and staff at Grandview ¿uuqinak’uuh. The Grandview ¿uuqinak’uuh community is passionate about creating a positive and healthy learning environment for all students. The focus of this month was all about celebrating and supporting diversity, but this is not new. Throughout the entire school year, our students learn about diversity and practice understanding and respecting each other using the acronym “SOAR” (Supportive, Open Hearted, Awesome Attitude, Respectful). At Grandview ¿uuqinak’uuh, we believe everyone deserves and has the right to be who they are and to love who they love. I am extremely proud of our students for their care and thoughtfulness. 

On June 15, students, staff and families took part in our very first Pride parade. The parade started at the school with students learning about the importance and meanings of the different flags and their colours. Our parade route started on Woodland Drive then proceeded all the way along 4th Avenue. Students were dancing to the music and waving signs and pompoms made by a group of students supported by our school’s SOAR committee. Students were cheered on by members of the community.  Every time a car honked, or someone said thank you, you could see the smiles on their faces. They felt like they were making their voices heard.  The parade continued along 3rd Avenue, Victoria Drive and around McSpadden Park before returning to back to school. 

Along the way, there were many heartwarming moments. Especially when a group of people started dancing with the students and asked if they could join our parade. Some of our students even shared their pompoms. All in all, our first Pride parade a very successful and meaningful experience. 

A week later, we participated in another important event for our community. We celebrated National Indigenous People Day. Many of our families spend National Indigenous Day together with family and friends, but we felt it was important to celebrate as a school community.  

Our event started with a welcome by Alec Guerin, a Musqueam member, followed by an afternoon of engaging and fun-filled activities. Students made tea using the ingredients from our garden which helped them wash down the delicious Bannock and jam. Red Fox also attended our event and shared drumming and some fun activities such as stilts, pogo sticks, and juggling sticks. Our arts and crafts station had students decorating wooden hearts and tobacco envelopes. Finally, there was also a Slahal station where students learned the fundamentals of this Indigenous probability game.  

Our very successful event ended with a gathering for singing at our Long House.  Students from division 6 played drums and rattles and led the school in song (Sakawihk and Water Song) and ended with the Women’s Warrior song.  At the end of the event, I was approached by one of our Indigenous families, expressing her appreciation for the day and that many of the families in attendance throughout the afternoon were emotional and extremely proud of the children and staff for honouring and celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

Celebrating Pride and National Indigenous Peoples Day were both very special days our school will never forget. I’d also like to extend a special thank you to the First Nations Health Authority for the funds used to support our event.