Aboriginal Education

On February 25th, 2010, Chilliwack Secondary School hosted a gathering to celebrate Aboriginal Education and honor the youth in attendance.  Students from CSS, Chilliwack Middle, A.D. Rundle and Rosedale Middle were invited along with their families and district personnel.  In total the event attracted 200 people who enjoyed a buffet dinner, entertainment, silent auction, 50/50 draw, door prizes and give-away.

 

Mr. Jones, the principal, addressed the audience and reported on the Local Education Enhancement Agreement highlighting the three key goals:  creating a sense of belonging for Aboriginal students at school, increase the academic success of Aboriginal students and increase respect and understanding of language, culture, governance and history of Sto:lo and aboriginal people in order to create a better sense of school and community.

 

Mr. Lindsay spoke of the new school and the space for the delivery of the Aboriginal Program at Chilliwack Secondary.  This new design is student and community based and supports the goal of the Enhancement Agreement.  He also let the incoming grade 10s know they are likely to be the first graduating class of the new facility.

 

Mrs. Beshara, who will be the grade 10 counsellor next year, introduced herself to the incoming grade 10 students.  Mrs. Beshara shared information about her role at the school and encouraged the youth to access the counseling services available to them.

 

A number of students participated in the evening, helping to set up, cook, entertain, MC, greet guests, work the silent auction and 50/50 draw, run technical equipment and put everything away at the end of the night.  The River Spirit Drum group shared a dinner song and honor song for all the students who volunteered, participate in leadership, cooked and are in the Work Experience Program.  The students made the evening.

 

Inez Jasper, a member of the National Aboriginal Role Model Program, Alumni of Chilliwack Secondary School and singer song writer spoke to the youth about the importance of education and performed several of her songs.  Inez also encouraged the incoming grade 10 students to find healthy activities and groups to join to make their high school experience not only educational but fun.

 

A number of businesses, institutions and individuals donated items for the silent auction.  The Parent Advisory Committee, Work Experience Program and the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, through the Family of Schools Program, provided funds to help make the evening a great success.

 

A special thank you to Gary Raddish, for setting up and taking care of the sound system, Rob Hopkins, for being the unofficial photographer and documenting the evening in pictures and Lynda-Lee Saunier for handling all the 50/50 and auction monies.