Renaming Ceremonies for Mathxwí & Semá:th Elementary Schools
At the end of September, the schools previously known as Matsqui Elementary and Upper Sumas Elementary hosted renaming ceremonies to officially honour becoming Mathxwí Elementary and Semá:th Elementary. The Abbotsford Board of Education approved the renaming in December of 2021 to reflect the Halq’eméylem language of the Stó:lō First Nations. On both days, the school gyms were filled with guests - including school trustees, district staff, students, and community members. Each day was bursting with excitement for the school community to be able to commemorate the joyous occasion finally.
Mathxwí Elementary
On September 26, 2022, the Mathxwí Elementary gym was filled with students, staff, and several families from the Mathxwí First Nation Community. The ceremony began with the “Welcome Song” shared by Ronald Francis-Modeste, a former Mathxwí student from Mathxwí First Nation. Several guests, including Chief Alice McKay and Councillor Brenda Morgan from Mathxwí First Nation, Mayor Braun from the City of Abbotsford, Chair Petersen, and Superintendent Godden, all spoke on the history of the school and what the renaming represents. The highlight of the ceremony was when students from Mathxwí Summer School Program - Mathxwí Télexw Lálém - drummed and sang the Eagle Song led by Miss Carlin Swift. As the ceremony ended, a sense of warmth, hopefulness and healing radiated throughout.
Semá:th Elementary
On September 28, 2022, Semá:th Elementary hosted its renaming ceremony in the school gym. Students and staff were invited to an already full gym with many to witness the ceremony. Jessi Old Coyote and Tyrone Thomas, Indigenous Support Workers in the Abbotsford School District, opened the ceremony with a traditional song. Speakers included Board Chair Petersen, Councillor Troy Ganzeveld from Semá:th First Nation and Elder Paula Silver Olmstead, and Superintendent Godden, each speaking on the hope for the school with the new name. Following the ceremony, Stó:lō Catering provided Bannock to all attendees. Sylvia Silver, owner of Stó:lō Catering and a member of Semá:th First Nation, has longstanding connections to the school community and generations of family members who have attended the school. Guests were then invited outside to participate in a “Story Walk” supported by Elder Tina Lakey, Indigenous Support Worker at Semá:th Elementary. “When We Were Alone” by David A. Robertson was deconstructed and placed together outside in the play area to promote literacy and bring awareness to the impact of Residential Schools in an accessible manner. The book was read aloud by intermediate students as many guests and peers listened and followed along. It was a memorable moment with the sea of orange of onlooking students and a feeling of excitement as they celebrated the day.