The Canada Post Community Foundation is making a special delivery to Fraser River Discovery Centre.
The foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Discovery Centre to support its xʷtatəl̕ləm Indigenous School Programs. The programs are part of the partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) to develop xʷtatəl̕ləm ʔə k̓ʷ šxʷəlməxʷaʔɬ syəθ ʔiʔ snəw̓eyəɬ ʔi ʔə tə ʔi n̓a stal̕əw̓ (Place of Learning about the Indigenous Heritage and Teachings of the River) at the FRDC.
Stephen Bruyneel, director of external relations and development, said Fraser River Discovery Centre is thankful to the Canada Post Community Foundation for its significant support of these important programs.
“Programs for children and youth are one of the things we do best at FRDC, and these new ones are a key priority identified by our partner the MIB,” he said.
FRDC education staff have been working with teachers and administrators from Southlands Elementary School in Vancouver, which is attended by some Musqueam children, to develop the initial programs. This includes an outdoor walking program that incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing related to the forests, parks, and waterfront in and around the school.
According to Fraser River Discovery Centre, support from the Canada Post Foundation will help build on – and expand – these kinds of programs.
“Canada Post is proud to help organizations and projects that make a difference in the lives of Canadian children and youth,” said Doug Ettinger, president and chief executive officer of Canada Post. “Through the generosity of our customers, the Canada Post Community Foundation is able to fund important programs in communities across the country every year.”
New school programs are just part of what FRDC is working on with the Musqueam Indian Band to develop xʷtatəl̕ləm at the centre.
“We continue to work with members of the Musqueam community to get their input on what else could be part of xʷtatəl̕ləm,” Bruyneel said. “And we have started to reach out to other Nations in the (Fraser River) Basin to assess interest and potential participation. Our ultimate goal is to invite all Nations with connections to the mighty River to be part of xʷtatəl̕ləm.”
Located at 788 Quayside Dr. on New Westminster’s waterfront, Fraser River Discovery Centre provides a variety of programs and exhibits related to various aspects of the Mighty Fraser.
