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We will achieve equity of outcomes for Indigenous learners in Cariboo-Chilcotin School District. We will continue to examine our environments, structures, and practices to identify and address barriers. We are committed to continuing to strengthen relationships with First Nation communities as rightsholders and collaborate with community partners who support Indigenous children and youth and their families. We will embed learning about Indigenous culture, perspectives, and language in the daily experience of learners in our schools. Some examples of the work of our plan are:

  • District-wide staff learning about Truth and Reconciliation, local Indigenous culture, Circle of Courage and trauma-informed practice
  • Planned school-wide culture learning aligned with calendar of local cultural seasonal activities
  • Visible language and culture across schools (Knowledge keepers in schools, ceremony, welcome signage, elders posters)
  • Review of school libraries and resource collections and additional funding for Authentic First Peoples Resources
  • Recognizing cultural learning in community with graduation program credits (local Independent Directed Study framework)
  • Meaningful engagement of schools and district in Local Education Agreements (LEA)
  • Re-engagement with Equity in Action 

Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER for equity for Indigenous students and learning about local Indigenous culture for all students and staff:

Pine Needle Basket Making

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Leadership spent the day in a variety activities at the Williams Lake First Nation Arbor. I spent the afternoon learning to create a pine needle basket. The task was humbling, amazing and great for the soul. The expertise, humour and grace from Sally Wynja was exactly what was needed.
Pine Needle Basket Making

Drum Making at Storefront

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Storefront’s Indigenous Education encourages students to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and connect learning to the world around them.
Drum Making at Storefront

Drum Making

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Storefront Alternate is creating hand drums to honour graduating students as they transition into adulthood. This project provides students with a meaningful, hands-on experience that celebrates their growth, resilience, and accomplishments.
Drum Making1 heather auger

Tea Making

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Tea making is a culturally grounded activity that introduces youth to traditional plant knowledge, harvesting practices, and tea preparation guided by indigenous teachings. The youth loved the preparation and then gifting of this activity.
Tea Making1 heather auger

Duncan Sticks Memorial Education

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Visiting the Duncan Sticks Memorial holds deep importance for Skyline youth, as it provides a space to honor the legacy, resilience, and wisdom of past generations.
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Weekly Smudging and Storytelling

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Weekly smudging and storytelling sessions with Bruce Baptiste and Gary Stieman - can offer a wide range of emotional, mental, spiritual and social benefits. Smudging when held consistently, creates safe and supportive space for youth to connect with their identity, community and well-being.
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On The Land with a Knowledge Keeper

Marie Sharpe Elementary

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Before the students arrived on site, staff from Marie Sharpe and Skyline gathered in circle on the local land at Boitanio Park. We enjoyed drumming and singing as well as story telling and a welcome reassurance that learning outdoors is exactly what our students need.
Learning on the land with a knowledge keeper heather mckinnon

Connecting to the Land

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Many students went fishing this week. Only one student was lucky enough to catch one. Later the fish was cleaned and the youth made an amazing meal to share with the school community.
Connecting to the Land

Lifting Spirits With Drumming

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

WLFN Culture Team presented to Skyline students and staff. Two members of the team are Skyline Alumni (flood of happy memories). The drumming and teaching of the Honor Song was a perfect way to send everyone into the break. Many youth showcased their drums they recently made.
Lifting Spirits with Drumming

Skyline Youth Enjoyed Making Drums

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Making Drums with Cecil Sheena. The youth enjoyed drum making and storytelling with Cecil. The youth are always excited when Cecil arrives with his activities and wisdom. The youth are excited to use their drums next week when the WLFN Culture Team arrives for singing and drumming
Skyline Youth Enjoyed Making Drums

Rattle Making with Cecil

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Cecil Sheena came to Skyline to offer his wisdom on a variety of topics. Cecil also assisted the youth in creating rattles. All of the youth were engaged and excited to hear that Cecil would be returning to Skyline in the new year. So much knowledge was shared.
Rattle Making with Cecil

Support Youth in Community

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Supporting youth within community is very important to us. Recently we held a SBT meeting at the beautiful the Williams Lake First Nation office. Sometimes looking outside the box helps the youth to seek a positive and different direction.
Support Youth in Community

Truth and Reconciliation

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Listening and learning.
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Gathering and Incorporating “Braiding SWEETGRASS”

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

Youth went out to gather vegetables to prepare for Skyline Welcoming feast.
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Gathering and Honoring

Skyline/Storefront Alternate

The afternoon was spent at the Denisiqi Gathering. One youth’s quote of the day, “We played in the park, we had fun and I felt like a child.”
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