Board Announces New Elementary School Name Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary

December 16, 2020

On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, the Langley Board of Education announced the name of the new elementary school in the SW Yorkson area of Langley. The new school will be named Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary, named for Donna Gabriel Robins who is a recently retired, well-respected, long-time District Teacher in the Langley School District.

“Donna builds people up and strengthens relationships,” says Rod Ross, Chair of the Langley Board of Education.

“This is shown in her tireless work to connect the District and Indigenous Communities, her advocacy for the students, families and staff of the Aboriginal Program and the fostering of good will and trust between individual schools and Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo First Nations, Waceya Métis Society and the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society.”

“Donna has made an incredible impact on our community, supporting our students and staff. I have worked alongside her and learned from her all these years. I have witnessed the difference she has made on the lives of many in our community, including myself,” explains Mike Pue, District Principal, Aboriginal Education.

“Donna has been instrumental in helping lead the way on our District’s journey in Truth and Reconciliation and ensuring that every student can see their place in the curriculum,” adds Gord Stewart, Superintendent of Schools.

“She is a remarkable person who lives and breathes our District Mission, to inspire all learners to reach their full potential and create a lasting legacy for the future. We are so proud and grateful to have her in our community.”

Donna was born and raised in Langley, the second eldest child of Chief Joe and Maureen Gabriel. Donna has spent her entire life within the education field. After graduating from Langley Secondary in 1975, she pursued her degree in education at SFU. She worked as a teacher with Seabird Island Community School, Murrayville Elementary, and then Langley Fine Arts School. Donna moved into the Aboriginal Program where, for 26 years, she cultivated and nurtured a program of support, respect, belonging, connection and culture. In June of this year, Donna Robins retired after more than 30 years of teaching.

This is the first time the Langley Board of Education has named a school after a member of the Kwantlen First Nation. Please join the Langley Board of Education and District in celebrating this historic milestone for the Langley community.

Portrait of Donna Robins taken as part of the Langley Fine Arts School ‘This is Kwantlen’ Exhibit. (Credit: Elise Muller/Langley Fine Arts School)

Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary is under construction in the SW Yorkson area of Langley, BC. (Credit: Joanne Abshire/Langley School District/December 2020)

Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary is under construction in the SW Yorkson area of Langley, BC. (Credit: Joanne Abshire/Langley School District/April 2021)