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:
Hoop Dancing
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our students had the privilege of learning from Perry Alexander through an engaging and inspiring hoop dancing presentation. Students were captivated as Perry demonstrated incredible skill and creativity while sharing the history and significance of hoop dancing. He encouraged students to follow their passions, work hard toward their goals, and appreciate the diverse cultures that enrich our communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from Perry and deepen our understanding of Indigenous culture, storytelling, and the connections that bring us together. The students continue to practice and will showcase their learning at our feast in June.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e2768b2f-5e1f-4ee9-a186-698256a31cb0?fingerprint=ppb20260611163413" alt="Hoop Dancing Maria Telford" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Drumming
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With the care and guidance of our Indigenous Support Workers, Sharmaine Grimes and Jody Malm, along with the knowledge shared by Elder Andy Christopher, our Grade 7 students have been engaging in meaningful learning about the cultural significance of the drum. Students have had the special opportunity to thoughtfully and respectfully build and personalize their own drums. The project continues to come alive as students begin learning the Honour Song, connecting them to the traditions, teachings, and spirit behind the drum.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3a73095e-6f02-4a05-848c-ac63c6616681?fingerprint=ppb20260506230414" alt="Drumming" width="686" height="399" style="width:686px;height:399px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Tea Blending
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Ms. Fast's class created two beautifully fragrant tea blends — Sleepy Tea and Cold & Cough. Students individually and thoughtfully created their own blend from a selection of Indigenous plants. Our special guests, Dancing Water and Freda Alphonse, generously shared their knowledge about the unique qualities and health benefits of each plant. Students learned how the plants are traditionally and respectfully harvested, and how they have been used to support wellness for generations. It was a wonderful opportunity for hands-on learning, cultural connection, and appreciation for the gifts of the land.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f48d3323-4aa6-4f2d-a387-04798c90d468?fingerprint=ppb20260306044908" alt="Tea Blending Maria Telford" width="681" height="380" style="width:681px;height:380px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Wisdom / Beaver In Action
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of our learning around the values of Wisdom/Beaver and the understanding that we are all connected, our whole school participated in a hands-on, place-based learning experience. Students learned the steps involved in creating natural bird feeders, including how pork fat is carefully rendered and then used to make pinecone feeders. This activity encouraged thoughtful planning, patience, and respect for the natural world, which are key teachings of Beaver. Best of all, each student was able to take their bird feeder home, extending the learning beyond the classroom and into our community. Thank you Jody for all your time, energy, and planning for this activity!</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/b3689606-609b-4e54-a2e6-dce1ea3c4252?fingerprint=ppb20260204062747" alt="Wisdom Beaver In Action2 Maria Telford" 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/9b7af8f3-0cc5-4fb5-b774-aa8795e117a6?fingerprint=ppb20260204062747" alt="Wisdom Beaver In Action1 Maria Telford" 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>
Secwépemc Cultural
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Fast’s students enjoyed a short field trip to the Secwépemc Cultural Centre where they participated in drumming and knowledge sharing led by Floyd Dick. Students were engaged and respectful as they learned through story, song, and rhythm. We look forward to visiting the cultural centre again soon with other groups.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b51d02c9-204b-43d2-b50d-24ebcf8d6651?fingerprint=ppb20251217195912" alt="Secwépemc Cultural Maria Telford" width="505" height="673" style="width:505px;height:673px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Metis History & Culture
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We were privileged to welcome knowledge keeper Pam Richie, who shared powerful learning with our students about her great-great-great grandfather, Mistawasis, a Métis Chief whose signature is the first on Treaty 6. Pam brought meaningful artifacts for students to see and gently touch, including hides traditionally used in clothing. This hands-on experience helped bring history to life and deepened students’ understanding of Indigenous culture, leadership, and the lasting significance of Treaty relationships.</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/dc01d644-1ef5-4b07-b40e-328540971679?fingerprint=ppb20251217195140" alt="Metis History & Culture1 Maria Telford" 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/69d5540d-5ad9-4887-ae0e-e66251d80338?fingerprint=ppb20251217195141" alt="Metis History & Culture2 Maria Telford" 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>
October - Indigenous Learning
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students explored traditional Indigenous methods of preserving food in preparation for the winter months. Through hands-on learning, they discovered how communities would dry meat following fall hunting and gathering, and built their own miniature meat-drying racks. This meaningful activity deepened their understanding of preparation, sustainability, and respect for the land and the animals that provide for us. We extend our gratitude to our Knowledge Keeper, Dort Dickerson, for sharing her teachings and guiding our learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9be67f97-0de4-427b-a9da-dc91d32cce0a?fingerprint=ppb20260310040858" alt="October Indigenous Learning Maria Telford" width="689" height="388" style="width:689px;height:388px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Whole Staff Field Trip to Our Local Cultural Center
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On September 2nd, Mile 108 staff had the honour of visiting our local cultural centre to deepen our understanding of Secwépemc culture and history. This meaningful learning will help us bring rich cultural knowledge and perspectives into our school and classrooms. A heartfelt thank you to Floyd Dick for graciously welcoming us, sharing his wisdom, and treating us to the beautiful sounds of the drum and flute. We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing our students to the centre throughout the year to continue this important learning journey together.</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/f8014384-afed-478a-a76b-f1319ad32429?fingerprint=ppb20260218215508" alt="Whole Staff Field Trip2 Maria Telford" 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/c8a5316e-9978-483d-a48b-37777f518f9b?fingerprint=ppb20260218215508" alt="Whole Staff Field Trip1 Maria Telford" 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>
South End Schools Are Treated to a Day of Indigenous Learning at Tsq’escen on Indigenous Day
Forest Grove Elementary
Horse Lake Elementary
100 Mile Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from 100 Mile, Horse Lake, Mile 108 and Forest Grove learned how to play double ball, Lahal, and make pitch medicine. Thank-you to Eliza Archie Memorial School for hosting such a great event.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e4196948-7fd0-4fd1-bd9f-81f84602972b?fingerprint=ppb20260218173807" alt="treated to a day of indigenous learning1 Ty Lytton" 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="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a5a5658d-7c0c-4d7e-a4d0-a145f764c118?fingerprint=ppb20260218173807" alt="treated to a day of indigenous learning2 Ty Lytton" 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>
Community & Culture
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our grade 3 and 4 students enjoyed participating in a student cultural day at Canim Lake. Lots of laughter, learning, and connections made. We are looking forward to visiting again soon.</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/4f6ceb01-b57b-4a23-ba51-9a4282bc8a6d?fingerprint=ppb20251217034024" alt="Community Culture" 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/3c05868f-7490-4e70-8624-8fdcf4c2c84d?fingerprint=ppb20251217033929" alt="Community Culture" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Storytelling
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Passing down knowledge and culture through story. Our school, students and staff alike, were captivated by Kenthen Thomas' storytelling abilities! Kenthen took us on a journey as we learned about how bear and coyote found the balance between day and night.</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/9e9670a1-67c2-576b-8923-23c4ba8877ad?fingerprint=ppb20251217034854" alt="fwsaf3le.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>
Metis Bev Lambert
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Metis Bev Lambert introduced the classes to history and culture of the Metis people. How they farmed the land and traded wares during the fur trade. They took culture from both European and First Nations. Bev taught the Red River Jig and incorporated the importance of taking what our grandparents passed down to us. Being kind to each other and using the gifts we were given.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Respect: to honor and listen to our elders, parents and teachers. What we are comes from our Grandmas and Grandpas.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wisdom: Everyone has a special gift, show Wisdom by using that gift.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/d8b3054f-e12b-4202-bc70-03ba39dd38ca?fingerprint=ppb20251217040323" alt="Metis Bev Lambert" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Walking Together at Mile 108 Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Great learning, discussions and activities around sense of belonging and how we are all connected.</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/2cd6df7e-f041-5a30-a76b-fb845bf24f81?fingerprint=ppb20251217033835" alt="xpro5otd.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>