News Stories

For 36 years, Chris Kelly has dedicated her career to supporting Indigenous students and families in the Abbotsford School District. As a First Nations and Métis educator with deep family ties to the local community, she has spent her career helping generations of students feel seen, supported and connected. 

Students from schools across the Abbotsford School District gathered at Mill Lake Park on recently for a day of storytelling, drumming, dancing, art, and cultural learning in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day which happens this Sunday.

Presented in partnership with the City of Abbotsford's Culture City program series, the annual event brought together students, staff, Indigenous artists, performers, and community members for a day of learning and connection.

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.

Abbotsford School District teacher and coach Ryan McWhinney was recognized with the Coaching Sports Hall of Fame Award at the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame banquet recently.

The award recognizes coaches who have made a significant impact in high school and community sports.

Recently, at the Semá:th First Nation Longhouse, an Honouring Ceremony took place for the 2026 Indigenous Role Models. Here’s a look at each of our role models, along with an inspirational quote from each individual. Role model posters will be displayed at school sites for everyone to explore and learn more about each student.

Lauryn Palfrey (Métis) | Rick Hansen Secondary

A wise man I know once told me that the most effective medicine for the sickness of self-pity is to lose ourselves in the service of others. And I try to emulate that in my everyday life.

Recently, the District’s Curriculum Department partnered with Melissa Epp, Máthxwi Education Co-ordinator, and the Indigenous Education Department to host a Máthxwi Family Literacy Night. The evening brought together Máthxwi families and staff from both the Abbotsford and Langley School Districts in a shared commitment to student learning.

The Abbotsford School District is proud to announce that Cash Calhoun, a Abbotsford Senior Secondary student whose family roots connect to the Heiltsuk and Nisga’a Nations on his father’s side and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation on his mother’s side, is the winner of the 2025 Orange Shirt Art Contest. His artwork has appeared on this year’s District orange shirts, serving as both a reflection of personal identity and a powerful statement of Indigenous resilience, healing, and truth.