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:
Building Relationships Through Cultural Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Today, our school welcomed Nenqayni Wellness Society as part of the school-wide cultural learning outlined in our Indigenous Cultural Implementation Plan. Students had the opportunity to make mini drums and medicine bags while learning through hands-on cultural experiences.
Starting the Year in a Good Way
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Tatla Lake staff began the school year with a District Learning Day focused on Indigenous Learning & Culture and our collective responsibility for reconciliation. The day opened with a welcome to the Secwépemc, Tsilhqot’in, and Dakelh territories, followed by greetings from district organizations.
Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, students created beaded lanyards. The experience reflected the First Nations Principles of Learning, as students learned through observation, practice, patience, and collaboration.
Creating Commitment Sticks
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our students had the opportunity to learn with facilitators from Nenqayni Wellness Society through a meaningful hands-on activity focused on intention, commitment, and personal growth.
Fireside Stories & Tsilhqot’in History
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our students had the privilege of learning from local Tsilhqot’in knowledge keeper Skip Gregg during our time in Hagensborg. Around the fireside each evening, Skip shared fascinating knowledge about the history of the area surrounding Tatla Lake and the rich history and traditions of the Tsilhqot’in
Making Pitch Salve
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our students had the opportunity to learn alongside Dancing Water Sandy and Freda Alphonse through a hands-on traditional learning activity making pitch salve.
Red Dress Day
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our students participated in age-appropriate learning sessions with Nenqayni Wellness Centre in recognition of Red Dress Day. We are grateful for the continued partnership and support from Nenqayni in providing meaningful Indigenous learning opportunities that help deepen student understanding of
Building Goals and Connections Through Indigenous Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
We were grateful to welcome Nenqayni to Tatla Lake School again for a day of learning focused on goal setting and recognizing positive influences. Intermediate and senior students created vision boards to reflect on their goals, strengths, and supports, while primary students painted artwork
Learning from Tsilhqot’in Knowledge
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our school had the privilege of welcoming Skip Gregg, a local Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, to our classroom to share knowledge about how the Tsilhqot’in people have traditionally used and cared for the land in the Tatla Lake area.
Learning About Traditional Plant Medicines
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
We were grateful to welcome Dancing Water Sandy to Tatla Lake School to lead a tea blending workshop that introduced students to the traditional medicinal qualities of local plants.
Indigenous Learning: Weaving Culture & Kindness
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
We were honoured to welcome Nenqayni Wellness Centre Society to work alongside our students. They shared teachings about dream catchers—their purpose & meaning. Students thoughtfully created their own dream catchers, taking pride in their work.
Lahal Tournament at Tatla Lake School
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Tatla Lake School was honoured to host a Lahal Tournament, welcoming students and staff from Anahim Lake School, Naghtaneqed School, and Nagwuntl'oo School. The day was filled with excitement, learning, laughter, and a deep sense of community connection.
Nenqayni Wellness Centre Shares Heart Teachings with Students
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
We were honoured to welcome staff from the Nenqayni Wellness Centre Society to our school for a day of meaningful cultural learning. Students participated in hands-on activities that encouraged reflection, creativity, and connection.
Strengthening Connections Through Lahal and Skating
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our Grade 4–11 students travelled to Tsideldel School for a day of cultural learning, connection, and fun. Students had the opportunity to learn and play Lahal, guided by Tsideldel staff and community members.
Indigenous Learning with Nenqayni Wellness Centre
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
We were grateful to welcome staff from Nenqayni Wellness Centre to our school. Students participated in mini drum making and beading workshops as part of their cultural outreach programming for youth.
Lahal with Bruce Baptiste
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Students and staff at Tatla Lake School enjoyed a memorable Indigenous learning experience with Bruce Baptiste. Bruce visited our school to teach us how to play Lahal, a traditional Indigenous guessing and hand-game. The students quickly embraced strategy, and teamwork involved in the game.
Learning About Truth and Reconciliation
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our students were honoured to welcome Bruce Baptiste from Denisiqi Services Society, who shared his personal experiences attending residential school in Williams Lake.
Big Cedars Trail
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Students explored the Big Cedars Trail in Bella Coola, on the traditional territory of the Nuxalk Nation. They learned about culturally modified trees and the importance of sustainability.
Indigenous Learning Through Dance
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Students at Tatla Lake School had the opportunity to learn Pow Wow and Hoop Dance with Chelsei Gray from Jess Dance. Through movement and rhythm, students explored Indigenous culture and tradition while celebrating the joy of dance.
Indigenous Learning – Be a Good Ancestor
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
As part of our focus on Indigenous Learning, staff engaged with the text Be a Good Ancestor and reflected on how its message connects to our school community. We considered the ways our daily practices, decisions, and relationships shape the experiences of students now and into the future.
Lady That Turned to Stone
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Students and staff from Alexis Creek School and Tatla Lake School recently visited the Tsilhqot’in sacred site known as The Lady that Turned to Stone. This visit was part of our ongoing work to support Indigenous learning and place-based education in SD27.
Indigenous Education Resources
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
We are committed to integrating Indigenous education into our classrooms. Recently, our students participated in a lesson about smudging and its cultural significance by creating smudge candles.
Weaving Tradition into Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our primary students have been engaging in a hands-on cultural learning experience by weaving Coast Salish bags. This activity connects students to Indigenous traditions while developing fine motor skills, patience, and creativity.
Learning from Elder Dorothy Myers
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our students had the privilege of learning from Elder Dorothy Myers, who shared teachings about Indigenous culture and traditions. As part of this meaningful experience, students created tobacco ties, a sacred offering in many Indigenous traditions.
Metis Cultural Dance Workshop
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Students from Tatla Lake and Anahim Lake Schools joined together for a meaningful dance workshop with Métis Bev from Jess Dance. Bev shared her passion for promoting cultural knowledge through dance, inspiring students to embrace their heritage and "Be Proud of Who They Are.
Snootli Creek Regional Park - Big Cedars Trail
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our school trip to Snootli Creek Park in Bella Coola was centered around Indigenous learning, with a focus on culturally modified trees and edible and medicinal plants.
Orange Shirt Day Author Visit with Courtney Defriend!
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Courtney read her book "If Instead of a Person" and lead us in a brief, child-friendly discussion on the themes of Orange Shirt Day and Truth & Reconciliation. "If Instead of a Person," depicts traditional teachings on our connection and similarities to Mother Earth.
Walking Together - Equine Assisted Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our school recently hosted an enriching event focused on Indigenous Learning, inspired by the book "Walking Together.". The day featured an equine-assisted learning experience, where students engaged with horses to build awareness and understanding.