Exciting News for February
More than 30 students from Huband Park Elementary were involved with painting a Salish design mural for Huband’s gym. The design was created by Emily Carr University graduate, James Harry (Nexw kalus), from the Squamish Nation. Over the last few years, James has worked with schools and communities in the lower mainland and in the United Kingdom to produce art projects reflecting Aboriginal heritage, culture, and ideologies. Joni Danielson, also a graduate of Emily Carr University, worked with Harry to guide the students in painting this mural. In the past, Danielson has worked with elementary and secondary students on environmental art projects as well as collaborative projects with the David Suzuki Foundation.
Three of the goals for the project were student engagement, cultural awareness, and student leadership. The four teams of grade 7 student leaders worked closely with James and Joni over a period of two days. These grade 7 students assisted Kindergarten to grade 6 students with painting the four sections of the mural. “What an awesome project! It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed meeting James, “remarked grade 7 Aboriginal student, Jayden. Another Seventh Generation grade 7 student, Kenisha, also commented, “I had so much fun painting this mural. I was so inspired to be part of this project!” Parents, teachers, and elders were invited to view the process. The final goal of this project is to share the completed mural with the Huband students, parents and members of the community. See the invitation below. |
Left to right- James Harry, Natalie Force (Aboriginal Support Worker), and Joni Danielson
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