Abbotsford Students Raise Their Voices Through Good Medicine Songs
After months of daily rehearsals, students from Barrowtown, Dormick Park ,and Ten-Broeck Elementary came together to share a powerful message of stewardship, reconciliation and community through Xa Xa Téméxw, a Sacred Earth Day concert celebrating Indigenous language, culture and learning.
The performance featured students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 singing songs in both Halq’eméylem and English through Éy St’élmexw St’elt’ílém / Good Medicine Songs, a collaborative project that brings together Stó:lō Elders, language keepers and musicians. Through music, students explored themes of caring for the Earth, learning from Indigenous voices and recognizing the impact their own voices can have in the world around them.
The opportunity was introduced to Abbotsford schools by Barrowtown Elementary Principal Michelle Basran, who was already familiar with the work of Artist Response Team founders Kevin Wright and Holly Arntzen.
As planning began, Indigenous Support Worker Les Joe learned about the project and asked whether students from Dormick Park Elementary could also participate. The initiative quickly grew into a collaboration between schools.
When the opportunity was brought to Ten-Broeck Elementary Vice-Principal Shannon Thiessen, it aligned naturally with learning already taking place at the school. Students in a Grade 4/5 class had been learning Halq’eméylem, making the concert a meaningful extension of their classroom experiences.
Throughout the months-long preparation process, students learned songs, actions and teachings connected to stewardship, culture, language and community.
Students were also encouraged to wear clothing that reflected their own cultures. The result was a vibrant celebration of diversity, with bright colours and cultural expression serving as a visual reminder of the many backgrounds and experiences that make Abbotsford schools strong and inclusive communities.
“Through being involved with learning and performing Good Medicine songs for our Sacred Earth Day concert, Xa Xa Téméxw, our students have been learning about stewardship, reconciliation, culture, language, and community in a good way. They're standing up to use their voices with respect, hope, and care for our world...and they are learning that their voices matter,” said Principal Michelle Basran. “I'm so proud of the students and staff from Barrowtown, Dormick Park, and Ten-Broeck Elementary for championing this project when invited. We were able to work with Kevin and Holly's team and make this day a success because of everyone's hard work, but also because of the generous support we received from District Principal of Indigenous Education, Allison Gardiner, and the Indigenous Education department.”
The concert showcased months of student learning and collaboration while creating opportunities for students to engage with Indigenous language, culture and teachings through music. Principal Michelle Basran hopes the experience can continue to grow in future years and provide even more students with opportunities to collaborate with other schools, learn, and share their voices.
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