Celebrating Black History Month Across Abbotsford Schools

Throughout February, schools across the Abbotsford School District are marking Black History Month with learning opportunities, cultural experiences, and celebrations that highlight the diverse voices within their communities.

From classroom lessons and assemblies to guest speakers and cultural activities, each school is finding meaningful ways to recognize the contributions, histories, and cultures of Black Canadians and people of African descent around the world.

At Ten-Broeck Elementary School, students had the opportunity to learn through movement and storytelling. The school welcomed artist-in-residence Irene Nviiri, who taught students a traditional Ugandan dance to the song “Omwana Wa Muteesa” by Mesach Semakula.

The title of the song comes from the Luganda language spoken in central Uganda. “Omwana” means child, and “Muteesa” refers to a historic king of the Buganda kingdom. The song celebrates heritage, identity, unity, and pride in cultural roots. It is widely recognized in Uganda as a cultural piece that honours tradition and community.

The visit was especially meaningful for Ten-Broeck, where students come from many countries, including Somalia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zambia, Haiti, the Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Staff wanted to ensure those voices were recognized while creating a learning experience for the entire school community.

By bringing culture into the classroom, students were able to see themselves reflected in their learning and gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions and histories of others.

Across the district, these kinds of experiences are helping students build understanding, respect, and connection. Black History Month serves as an opportunity not only to learn about the past, but also to celebrate the cultures, stories, and contributions that shape schools and communities today.

Watch the Black Excellence Day video that showcases the voices of our black students and teachers in the community.