As an Indigenous Focus Choice School, χpey̓ welcomes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from across the district. In 2017, the school was rezoned, and its catchment was re-distributed to neighbouring schools. Macdonald Elementary was renamed χpey̓ Elementary School to honor our local Indigenous communities on which the school is built, on October 23, 2017. χpey̓ means “cedar” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language.

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

χpey̓ Elementary is located at the corner of East Hastings and Victoria Drive and currently serves 85 Kindergarten to Grade 7 students. Of those, 74 identify as Indigenous. Families are an integral part of our school community and are welcome in our All Nations Room at any time throughout the school day. χpey̓ staff are committed to working with families to facilitate the intergenerational learning of Indigenous knowledge and ways of being. χpey̓ also works closely with several external agencies and individuals who support our students’ academic, social-emotional, and physical wellbeing. χpey̓ hosts a Strong Start Program for children ranging from 0-5 years old and shares its grounds with Eagles in The Sky and Eaglets who provide both pre and before/afterschool daycare. In addition, several rotating lunch or after school programs run at χpey̓ such as skateboarding, basketball, soccer and Writer’s Exchange while there are also permanent programs like Kids Safe that offer programming after school and during school holidays.

χpey̓ celebrates its unique status as an Indigenous Focus Choice School within the VSB. Our two goals include social emotional learning, and fostering pride in and knowledge of Indigenous culture, language and ancestry. We move toward achieving these goals within Indigenous curricula, structures, and strategies as well as through a focus on literacy. Our vision is to foster academic excellence, strength of self, and pride in Indigenous ancestry and teachings.