Grade 5 Drum Project Abbotsford Schools

Intention

Under the guidance of the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) - led by leadership from Semá:th First Nation, Mathxwí First Nation and the Fraser Valley Métis Association we looked at district-wide opportunities for supporting school transitions.

Grade 5s moving into Middle School is an important transition. While creating a drum together, students learn about finding their own voice, connecting to their culture, and respect. These aspects are important in Middle school - your voice is important, your cultural identity is important, and using your words and listening to others respectfully is important.

This transition experience involves the Grade 5 students of each feeder school coming together. They meet their new community of peers as well as their ISW at Middle School. Building these relationships through activities.

February - Students will be transported to Mamel'awt (3277 Gladwin Rd) along with their peers and Indigenous Support Workers to meet other grade 5 students who will attend the same Middle School. During this session they will be learning about the drum, making their own drum, and learning how to care and maintain for it in the years to come. They will also have the opportunity to meet and work alongside the ISW's from their new Middle School.

April - All Grade 5 Teachers will share the book "The Honour Drum" by Cheryl Bear with their classes. This is an opportunity for all students to learn about the drum as the "heartbeat of the earth" and the important relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

May/ June - Indigenous Support Workers will gather their students for several sessions throughout these 2 months to teach them a song. Students learn the power of finding their voice through singing and connecting to their culture alongside their peers with the guidance of the ISW.