W.A. Fraser Middle School: Prioritizing Indigenous Student Leadership and Community Awareness

W.A. Fraser Middle School, located in the traditional unceded territory of the Semá:th people, is committed to implementing the School District's Strategic Plan Pillar 1 - Student Success and the Enhancement Agreement for Indigenous Students Goal #1. We focus on developing Indigenous student leadership and increasing staff and community awareness of TRC Calls to Action 62 and 63, emphasizing mandatory education on Indigenous issues for all K-12 students.

Fraser Falcon Equity League

The Fraser Falcon Equity League includes grades 6, 7, and 8 student leaders, with over 57 participants this year. As the only middle school with such a league, we are proud of our diverse group of students. This year, they have been working on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Community Awareness Project since October. Indigenous women make up 16% of homicide victims and 11% of missing women despite being only 4.3% of the Canadian population.

The MMIWG project will take place on May 5th and 6th, with hundreds of guests, including the Mayor, firefighters, and parents, attending, and it involves students leading and working with parents and community members to paint an Indigenous hummingbird on wood to be fixed on our school fence. While painting, students and Ms. Graham, our Indigenous Support Worker (ISW), will share cultural Indigenous teachings and provide opportunities to learn about Matriarchs. The hummingbirds will represent our missing Indigenous women and girls. Mrs. Sidhu, our vice principal, supports the Equity League with the goal of empowering students to uplift others through voice and action. The MMIWG community project will support students' academic success while fostering compassion and connections. Research shows that increasing family and community engagement plays a critical role in helping youth succeed in middle school and beyond.

Fraser Indigenous Council

As we end Temkwikwexel, our Fraser Indigenous Council is welcoming new members for next year as we prepare to send off our Grade 8 leaders to Grade 9. Over the past three years, our council has evolved into a dynamic group. Guided by our vision, "How can Indigenous Students see themselves and be seen at school?" we coordinate several student-led initiatives to celebrate Indigenous culture at Fraser:

• Cultural Presence: Students select clothing representing our Indigenous program, fostering unity and pride.
• Community Identity: We received a logo for our Indigenous program, designed by student Reid Silver.
• Traditions: Students organize the Family Gathering and National Indigenous Day activities in June, celebrating Indigenous culture through storytelling, games, music, and dance.

None of this work would be possible without the courageous voices of our Indigenous Student Council. Founded three years ago, the council began by reviewing the Indigenous Enhancement Agreement, sharing experiences, identifying areas for improvement, and bringing about change at Fraser. Last year, they created the council's expectation agreement and led our first annual celebration of National Indigenous Day. This year, they are expanding these traditions to create an even larger event on June 21st.

Integrating Indigenous Knowledge

Grade 6 student Elias MacNeil, an Indigenous plant expert, recently led a salve-making staff meeting, captivating participants with his deep knowledge of traditional plant use. Elias demonstrated how to create healing salves using locally sourced herbs and plants, emphasizing sustainable harvesting and respecting nature. His storytelling and hands-on approach gave staff unique insights into Indigenous practices and the medicinal properties of various plants.

Sheri Ashdown, a grade 8 teacher, integrated Elias's workshop into her science curriculum, linking practical knowledge to lessons on plant biology, ecosystems, and the chemical properties of natural remedies. This interdisciplinary approach enriched students' learning experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and its relevance to modern science. It also promoted cultural awareness and respect.

W.A. Fraser Middle School's commitment to Indigenous student leadership and community awareness is evident through its various initiatives and projects. The school empowers students to make meaningful connections and contribute positively to their community by fostering cultural understanding and respect.