Celebrating Indigenous culture & heritage during National Indigenous History Month

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 First Nations, and other Coast Salish Peoples. The district has more than 3,000 students from these First Nations as well as many others, including Squamish, Gitxsan, Haida, Inuit, Métis, Cree and Mi'kmaw.

2025 marks the 16^th 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 have included:

• Furthering the work of the district’s Equity, Diversity & Belonging Calendar to highlight holidays and acknowledge observances such as National Indigenous History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day and Orange Shirt Day.
• Continuing efforts with the district’s Racial Equity department to foster safe learning environments for all BIPOC students and staff while eliminating racism and discrimination in our schools.
• Launching the outdoor land-based learning program at the renamed Xw’epiteng Elementary, rooted in Indigenous Coast Salish culture, traditions and history as stewards of the land, with support from the Semiahmoo First Nation.
• Unveiling a new welcome figure at Bothwell Elementary, a welcome figure and 3D art panel at Fraser Heights Secondary, and a student-collaborated Indigenous mural at Senator Reid Elementary.
• Upholding the Surrey Board of Education’s commitment to improving Indigenous graduation rates by 2028.
• Naming a new elementary school after late Kwantlen elder Theresa Clarke, with the name gifted to the district by the Kwantlen First Nation and including the traditional name “stəqʷaθen” meaning “across from but facing you; a Village on Surrey Side near Qiyqet” on the school.
• Promoting National Truth & Reconciliation Day and related events hosted by the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations.
• Recognizing Red Dress Day to remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people in Canada.
• Honouring Indigenous soldiers on National Indigenous Veterans Day for their contributions to the First World War, Second World War and Korean War.
• Recognizing the Morning Beats Indigenous drumming program at École K.B. Woodward Elementary.
• Collaborating with the B.C. government on Safe, Caring & Inclusive Schools, promoting racial, cultural and Indigenous equity.

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.