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Celebrating Indigenous culture & heritage during National Indigenous History Month

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This June, Surrey Schools is recognizing National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to celebrate and honour the Indigenous roots of Canada’s history, as well as locally in Surrey, White Rock and Barnston Island.

Surrey and White Rock are on the shared, unceded, traditional territory of the Katzie, Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations, and other Coast Salish Peoples. The district has more than 3,200 students from these First Nations as well as many others, including Squamish, Gitxsan, Haida, Inuit, Métis, Cree and Mi'kmaw.

2024 marks the 15th anniversary of National Indigenous History Month, created in 2009 in a unanimous motion in the House of Commons. June 21 also marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, to recognize the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to Canadian history and diversity.

The district is committed ongoing efforts to promote Indigenous culture and history, and to provide appropriate reconciliation. During this school year, these efforts have included:

As part of the B.C. school curriculum, Indigenous history and culture are referenced in every subject and grade level, from social studies to language arts to science. Additionally, many schools across the district showcase Indigenous artwork, such as welcome figures, murals and carvings that encourage and celebrate a strong and important connection to Indigenous roots.

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