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Showing posts from September, 2023

Imagine High - Teachers are the front line of change

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  From left to right: Matt Slykhuis (Rock Band); Kaitlyn Dempsey, Vivan Zeng (Stream Restoration); Michael Buhler (Rock Band); Sonja Wypkis (not shown.) The teachers at Imagine High made this program happen. Their love for their students is visible, evident and constantly on display.  "It was so amazing, I am so grateful for you and Kevin, and everybody involved in Good Medicine Songs! Thank you for being so willing to collaborate with our students and really showing them how they can make a difference in reconciliation. It was the perfect finale for their learning and even more impactful that they could share it with the community. We are honoured to have been able to work with you and Good Medicine Songs." (Kaitlyn Dempsey, teacher.)

Imagine High - The miracle of youth engagement - Part 1

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   Students from Imagine High perform with Good Medicine Songs on June 21, 2023 At the concert, these beautiful young people were on stage, singing, speaking, giving and dedicating their energy to restoring streams, Halq’eméylem revitalization and reconciliation.  Paying respect and appreciation to the Stó:lō Elders, singers and language holders. This photo moves me to tears. All these students showed up. Some were just standing on stage, but they were there. So serious and sincere and beautiful.  After doing Voices of Nature school music programs for over 30 years, I know that having teenage youth choose to involve themselves, put themselves out publicly, is not something you can take for granted! Especially doing things that aren’t in their usual wheelhouse of activities… like singing publicly in a First Nations language. Yet it kept happening and building day after day, week after week during the seven rehearsals over two months at Imagine High.  Why? One rea...

Imagine High - Community Partners circle round

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At the end of the concert, our community partners formed a circle, and shared their organizations' experiences in supporting this work. These partners include: Tire Stewardship BC, Interchange Recycling, SD 33 (Chilliwack) and the University of the Fraser Valley.  This was the first time we've had the opportunity to bring supporting partners physically together, and the experience the community we're creating together.

Imagine High - Media Coverage Links

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   Media Coverage for the Listen to the Stream Concert was extensive. Shaw Multicultural TV    Full broadcast of the hour-long concert. The Tyee   In-depth article featuring interviews with students, teachers, Good Medicine Songs language carriers APTN   Special feature on National News Chilliwack Progress   Feature article in print and online