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:
Special Guest - Jingle Dress
Likely Elementary
Big Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Earlier this Spring, Ms. Janelle Alphonse (Shuswap from Williams lake First Nation) visited Big Lake and Likely Schools to facilitate a Powwow workshop and share a cultural performance. She introduced students to Jingle Dress dancing - explaining its history, meaning, and role in healing and community wellness.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned about the significance of the movement, sound, and intention behind the dance, and the importance of showing respect when learning about Indigenous cultural practices. Janelle also guided students in creating original Indigenous‑inspired art, allowing them to reflect on their learning in a creative way.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This experience provided meaningful, authentic Indigenous learning and deepened students’ understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and traditions.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3d16682b-2afd-4d8c-83d0-4be5b1010c8b?fingerprint=ppb20260506224831" alt="Special Guest Jingle Dress" width="505" height="673" style="width:505px;height:673px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Generosity in Nature
Big Lake Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When the students of Big Lake built small shelters (critter cottages) for animals, they practiced the Circle of Courage principle of generosity in a tangible way. By creating spaces for wildlife to find refuge during harsh winter conditions, they extended care beyond themselves to the natural world. Some worked independently, others collaborated, but all contributed to a shared purpose of giving without expectation of return. Weeks later, revisiting the shelters to look for signs of use deepened their understanding that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference, reinforcing the value of giving as part of a connected community.</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/b14c8376-7718-49bb-8a29-43f4c50be7ee?fingerprint=ppb20260123204614" alt="Mouse houses 1" 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/08d958a7-ba2a-4747-820e-cced7e845c82?fingerprint=ppb20260123204615" alt="Winter mouse house" 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" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Big Lake and Likely Staff - Learning on the Land
Big Lake Elementary
Likely Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staff from Big Lake and Likely Schools engaged in learning about traditional plants to gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. Through hands-on experiences and storytelling - they explored the medicinal, nutritional, and traditional uses of native flora. This learning fosters respect for the land and its original stewards, while strengthening community connections.</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/17e252e2-49b4-4bd5-a70a-1f3002e1fb80?fingerprint=ppb20260218220052" alt="BL and Likely Staff learn 1 Sari Small" 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/8dde07a3-feb7-4eed-bb0d-42eae0f07522?fingerprint=ppb20260218220052" alt="BL and Likely staff learning Sari Small" 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>