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:
Indigenous Learning with Nenqayni Wellness Centre
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2985a9ff-c29b-4b18-ba57-d42ffd0e8a0f" alt="Drums & Beading 2 kimberley ikebuchi" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cc48dd22-2901-45e9-9aff-e3f77b94d358" alt="Drums & Beading kimberley ikebuchi" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Cariboo-Chilcotin Team at FNESC
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Outback Storefront
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Language teachers and district staff represented Cariboo-Chilcotin School District at the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) conference in Vancouver. The team learned from powerful presentations, connected with one another and colleagues from across the province, and celebrated both what is already happening in our schools and what is possible.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e5ae6922-6340-46c3-979f-4cd42523a929" alt="Cariboo Chilcotin Team at FNESC cheryl lenardon" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Lahal with Bruce Baptiste
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The students quickly embraced strategy, and teamwork involved in the game. Laughter filled the room as Bruce guided students through each round of play.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This hands-on learning opportunity deepened our students’ understanding of Indigenous cultural practices while fostering community, connection, and joy within our school. We are grateful to Bruce Baptiste for sharing his knowledge, time, and teachings with us.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/dae3a88a-3a82-437e-baae-dfeaf915cfe0" alt="Lahal kimberley ikebuchi" width="424" height="565" style="width:424px;height:565px;display:inline-block"></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/95a0379b-8fef-4f12-90e8-bbd7e1f0033d" alt="Lahal 2 kimberley ikebuchi" width="423" height="564" style="width:423px;height:564px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Learning About Truth and Reconciliation
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our students were honoured to welcome Bruce Baptiste from Denisiqi Services Society, who shared his personal experiences attending residential school in Williams Lake. Through his stories, students gained a deeper understanding of the lasting impacts of residential schools and the importance of truth, healing, and reconciliation.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are grateful to Bruce for his honesty and courage in helping our students learn from lived experience and continue walking the path of reconciliation together.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/532276d8-03f2-4315-a34b-5b9b5167a9af" alt="Truth Reconciliation Bruce Baptiste kimberley ikebuchi" width="444" height="333" style="width:444px;height:333px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Big Cedars Trail
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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. Along the way, students discovered local plants used for medicinal purposes and gained a deeper appreciation for the Nuxalk people’s connection to the land and their traditional ecological practices.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ec0b848f-e3f8-4d01-86ce-7d1a83a2cff3" alt="Big Cedars Trail 2 kimberley ikebuchi" width="710" height="946" style="width:710px;height:946px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Indigenous Learning – Be a Good Ancestor
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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. This learning encouraged us to think deeply about our role in creating a school environment that honours Indigenous perspectives and ensures we are contributing positively as ancestors-in-the-making.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6379356b-96d1-4f2d-a376-cbda750c5937" alt="gc2f98al" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
District Lahal tournament
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Outback Storefront
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Marie Sharpe hosted the 2nd annual lahal tournament. Teams travelled from around the district to take part. Special thank you to all the knowledge keepers that came out to support the event. A great day was experienced by all!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c843f8b1-ef6b-4b57-a033-1b4fb4e5d0e2" alt="7 Grant Gustafson" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Lady That Turned to Stone
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elder Annette Frank shared the oral history of the site, helping students understand its cultural significance to the Tsilhqot’in people. Bruce Baptiste from Denisiqi Family Services joined us and led students in preparing tobacco ties, which were offered at the site.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This experience helped students connect with the land and deepen their understanding of Tsilhqot’in traditions and teachings. It was also an opportunity to build relationships between schools and communities and to learn directly from local knowledge keepers.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7c78130a-44ec-4593-8822-c1f2c069780b" alt="lady that turned to stone kimberley ikebuchi" width="442" height="589" style="width:442px;height:589px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Indigenous Education Resources
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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. Using a resource kit available through our Indigenous Education department, students explored traditional Indigenous practices and learned about the meaning behind herbs.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3dc10ab2-54bd-4b64-892d-65b567cf22c9" alt="Indigenous Education Resources" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/48320e1a-21e2-4663-b3b4-6c73d71d57e8" alt="Indigenous Education Resources" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Weaving Tradition into Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/288fa145-a53c-45d4-9317-5e150ae1a26e" alt="Weaving Tradition into Learning" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fc532bdf-60a6-44af-8d5a-07f6072a6134" alt="Weaving Tradition into Learning" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Learning from Elder Dorothy Myers
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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. Those who wished were given the opportunity to burn a tie as an expression of gratitude or intention. This hands-on learning experience deepened our understanding of Indigenous practices and reinforced the importance of respect, reflection, and connection to culture.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a1830356-7c0f-5ce7-acfc-cd9e95ca2c04" alt="eny9kbii.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2f21a8e3-d571-5aa0-94ca-f9cb2f851981" alt="3eoje5pc.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>
Metis Cultural Dance Workshop
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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." Through traditional and contemporary dances, Bev highlighted the importance of the gifts passed down from our Grandfathers and Grandmothers, reminding students that their roots are key to personal success. Thank you, Bev, for helping our youth connect with their culture and identity through dance!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9203383d-91db-5d8a-8add-4db583ee1058" alt="gy49xzcg.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Independent Directed Study Framework
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Outback Storefront
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Honouring learning done with family and in community was the inspiration for Cariboo-Chilcotin School District developing a framework to support learners engage in independent directed studies (IDS). IDS allows students to take ownership of planning and engaging in learning about a particular topic or aspect of a curricular area. They decide how they will share what they learned and are granted credits in the graduation program. It is inspiring to see where students can take their studies!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more, click </span><a href="/page/3983/independent-directed-study-ids" target="_blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/911eae3b-96e5-45ce-918b-31217cee21a3" alt="Independent Directed Study Framework" width="475" height="630" style="width:475px;height:630px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Snootli Creek Regional Park - Big Cedars Trail
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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. The students learned about the unique methods the Nuxalk people used to modify trees for practical and cultural purposes, such as harvesting bark for clothing and other materials without harming the tree. They also explored the surrounding forest and learned how different plants have been traditionally used for food and medicine. This learning experience deepened the students’ understanding of the land and its resources, highlighting the sustainable practices passed down through generations of Indigenous communities.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/df7f1603-f74a-5834-84d9-25394de82f4a" alt="qclsd829-1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8db31d1c-143c-5950-ae1e-aae7d46287d7" alt="9m64dtrj-1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
District Leadership Learning About
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Outback Storefront
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The district leadership team of PVP, managers, and senior staff was honoured to have our own Dancing Water Sandy lead learning for us about First Nations traditional knowledge and use of plants. We mixed teas and made smudge candles and salve.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/238405a4-426a-5d51-9e35-f4ee97d4a65d" alt="7y0ldt9e.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Orange Shirt Day author visit with Courtney Defriend!
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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. In the past, Residential Schools did not allow such teachings to be shared with our children. Today, this book contributes to many ways to reintroduce Indigenous principles to children and families and encourages us all to be agents of change.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/722615e9-2f4e-5501-884f-6ff8ba33d87f" alt="w7l579sp.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/11d2bde5-124b-5c00-98a6-5dfed5c7a65b" alt="8s45w7ml.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Walking Together - Equine Assisted Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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. Working collaboratively, the students in one activity practiced matching their steps to the horses' movements, emphasizing the importance of connection, respect, and mindfulness—key values highlighted in Indigenous teachings.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/143b66cd-d282-50b5-a5b5-e5549ab9d4d9" alt="bxzr6ohr.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e0a44415-b764-55e7-ab52-ebdc378e9ecf" alt="dchyhzb8.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>