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:
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD), celebrated annually on June 21 in Canada, honours the cultures, contributions, and histories of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. June is also recognized as National Indigenous History Month, highlighting Indigenous heritage, achievements, and ongoing resilience across the country.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On NIPD, Columneetza students who ran in this year's Cariboo-Chilcotin School District Indigenous Role Model Contest participated in the community parade. Students from 15 classes joined the festivities, walking to the parade and taking part in the celebrations at the park. </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/1c54750f-d04d-48e1-a6cb-cb66138dea2d?fingerprint=ppb20260722220006" alt="National Indigenous Peoples Day 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="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5860eb3b-03eb-419f-b04e-9096ecd119cc?fingerprint=ppb20260722212252" alt="National Indigenous Peoples Day2" 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>
Medicine Trail
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The medicine trail walk is a guided outdoor experience where participants learn about medicinal plants, their uses, and their cultural significance. It connects people to the land, traditional knowledge, and Indigenous teachings about health and wellness.</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/7078a7b2-b680-4f19-b3c4-2c51d4480f81?fingerprint=ppb20260722211551" alt="Medicine Trail 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="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1a949aa9-c94e-4a41-b75d-2c5572a2cd04?fingerprint=ppb20260722211544" alt="Medicine Trail 2" 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>
Learning on the Land
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Farwell Canyon land trip is a full-day experience on the land with Peyal Laceese, exploring petroglyphs, listening to traditional stories, and visiting the sand dunes. Grade 7 participants connected with Indigenous culture, history, and the natural environment while learning from the teachings of the land. Thanks Peyal!</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/b7600ec3-3352-47ac-84e7-b3a7a05a166e?fingerprint=ppb20260722210018" alt="Learning on the Land 2" 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/b74a87cc-4fc5-4920-a1d7-3e5e8625cdf6?fingerprint=ppb20260722210020" alt="Learning on the Land 1" 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>
Grade 7/8/9 Esk'et Sweat Field Trip
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Ms. Billyboy and Ms. McCartney took a full bus of grade 7/8/9 students on an annually held Esk’et Sweat Field Trip. Our students learned so much and had a wonderful day on the land and in community with local knowledge keepers. Thank you team!</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/aa0cb958-ee1b-4382-b14d-9c8fbbacaf0c?fingerprint=ppb20260611162934" alt="Esk'et Sweat Field Trip 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="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/deaa3c72-4657-426b-9a64-681bb66990eb?fingerprint=ppb20260611162931" alt="Esk'et Sweat Field Trip 2" 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><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Leading by Example
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are grateful for our Indigenous support workers: Kat, Jordy, and George; who work tirelessly to support all of our students. Through their strong relationships and commitment to Indigenous pedagogy and teachings, they create meaningful opportunities for students to feel connected, engaged, and valued. Their work helps foster a respectful, inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/45767bc8-5bdd-400a-a19c-41cc5c3ce4d5?fingerprint=ppb20260603210009" alt="Leading By Example" width="497" height="663" style="width:497px;height:663px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Kenthen Thomas Storytelling Tour
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 7 students at Columneetza were the grateful recipients of a storytelling presentation by touring Secwepemc storyteller Kenthen Thomas. Thomas visited with students for two sessions and introduced students to his mother Phyllis who joined us for the morning. Thank you for sharing good stories with us again this year, Kenthen!</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/f69271b1-8406-49a4-a22b-491407b7c0e8?fingerprint=ppb20260603210011" alt="Kenthen Thomas Storytelling Tour 2" 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/c3d1dec8-9bd5-4efb-8e83-6f016a32a062?fingerprint=ppb20260603210011" alt="Kenthen Thomas Storytelling Tour 1" 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><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Columneetza Community Recognize the Moose Hide Campaign
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born, Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from local communities, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges and universities, police forces, and many other organizations—all committed to taking action to end this violence. On May 14, staff and students joined together to recognize the Moose Hide Campaign and take a stand. Thank you for your participation!</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/941c7dfc-dcbb-4738-9721-fe17168b7a85?fingerprint=ppb20260603210011" alt="Columneetza Community Recognize the Moose Hide Campaign 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="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/17154284-1b43-49d4-b50c-8562625d4a17?fingerprint=ppb20260603210009" alt="Columneetza Community Recognize the Moose Hide Campaign 2" 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><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
More Lahal Learning
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More from Lahal learning.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 33px;"><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/760f4204-f00a-4538-96a4-35a6747c7d1f?fingerprint=ppb20260428063350" alt="More Lahal learning1 holly zurak" 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/8ff98e67-aba1-4b00-8f87-0139a2d5570e?fingerprint=ppb20260428063348" alt="More Lahal learning2 holly zurak" 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>
Touring TRU
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Ms. Haines and Ms. Arnousse’s language classes recently enjoyed touring TRU, our local campus.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5d968c7d-6ea9-46bb-b3fa-6abb709b4f7c?fingerprint=ppb20260428062348" alt="Touring TRU holly zurak" width="573" height="430" style="width:573px;height:430px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Learning Lahal
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This month we welcomed members of the WLFN Cultural Team to teach our students Lahal. Our students and teachers loved these sessions. Thanks Val and team!</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/b7436507-6ce3-472d-94c8-a1d67d8e642e?fingerprint=ppb20260428062132" alt="Learning Lahal2 holly zurak" 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/da93643d-28cd-47a8-a221-4c0c9fe45226?fingerprint=ppb20260428062130" alt="Learning Lahal1 holly zurak" 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>
CJS Celebrates Language Teachers
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Columneetza school community feels gratitude and appreciation for our Indigenous languages teachers. Charlotte Haines teaches Tŝilhqotʼin (Chilcotin) language to grades 7-12 students. She loves using technology and games to engage her students, as well as prioritizing getting her students outside for learning. Marcella Arnouse teaches Secwepemctsín (Shuswap) language to grades 7-12 students. Marcella loves engaging oral language, and working with fine arts like beading and textiles.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Columneetza (and LCS) are so fortunate to have these teachers work with our youth!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6d7c06eb-79fc-49a7-9fe6-824a814235b1?fingerprint=ppb20260412025151" alt="CJS Celebrates Language Teachers holly zurak" width="522" height="522" style="width:522px;height:522px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Ribbon Skirts and Shirts
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Columneetza Teachers Kaylee Billyboy and Bal Uppal spent lunch hours throughout the month of January supporting students with construction and repair on ribbon skirt and shirts in preparation for the school pow wow. Thank you for supporting and teaching our students!</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/b1ee6be3-f3e5-42c6-b963-7d961ba312ef?fingerprint=ppb20260224051734" alt="Ribbon skirts and shirts1 holly zurak" 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/804e282f-0e0e-4de2-a418-e4274a0e2330?fingerprint=ppb20260224051734" alt="Ribbon skirts and shirts2 holly zurak" 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>
Thomas Dueck Pow Wow
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What an amazing day at the Thomas Dueck Pow Wow at Columneetza Junior Secondary School!</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The primary goals for this event are to elevate awareness and respect for Indigenous cultural activities, empower First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, and cultivate positive self-worth. By attending and participating in this traditional setting, the aim is to create a sense of inclusion among all participants, promoting understanding and appreciation for Indigenous culture among non-Indigenous students as well. Our pow wow is for everyone.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to all of the participants, honoured guests and treasured elders, staff and student helpers, and our whole community. Special thanks go to our planning committee leads; George Fraser, Kaylee Billyboy, and Shannon McCartney. It takes a village!</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/2dd4f0ba-fc53-46ee-91fb-2d134e367ce5?fingerprint=ppb20260224050351" alt="Thomas Dueck Pow wow2 holly zurak" 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/990770a3-9f14-4d1a-976c-d7ebba49bf45?fingerprint=ppb20260224050351" alt="Thomas Dueck Pow wow1 holly zurak" 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>
Lahal with Bruce
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you Bruce Baptiste for recently visiting and teaching and playing Lahal with our students. We already look forward to next time!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/94378737-9e41-4ae4-8c26-dbd15e6becdd?fingerprint=ppb20251217035020" alt="Lahal with Bruce holly zurak" width="539" height="399" style="width:539px;height:399px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Model Behaviour - Tea with Role Models
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently our SD27 First Nations Role Models Michaellaine and Terrance visited Columneetza to enjoy tea with our students. They shared about the program and connected with our school community. Thank you!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/35fe7a42-c385-48aa-9ad4-f61e77e5c0f8?fingerprint=ppb20251217033901" alt="Model Behaviour Tea with Role Models holly zurak" width="517" height="386" style="width:517px;height:386px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Joel West Visits Columneetza
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During Truth and Reconciliation week, Columneetza students and staff gathered for a whole school presentation from singer and storyteller Joel West. Joel traveled from Burns Lake and touched many hearts in the crowd, sharing his story and personal upbringing. We all had chills as Joel sang covers of popular and inspirational songs, moving the crowd of over 700 people to sing along. What a great presentation!</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/89666c9b-0376-4137-b2da-eec081c081fc?fingerprint=ppb20260310032548" alt="Joe West 1 holly zurak" 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/fc06d4f5-9128-4290-8edc-13074e2787d0?fingerprint=ppb20260310032548" alt="Joe West 2 holly zurak" 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>
Learning Opportunities During Truth and Reconciliation Week
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to the indigenous culture team led by Ms. Billyboy and supported by fellow staff for providing learning opportunities throughout the week such as an invitation to smudge, making tea, medicine bags, orange shirt pins, and more. It was heartwarming to see students try something new!</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/87ef4183-73f2-497e-a04a-ed375098b22d?fingerprint=ppb20260310032321" alt="Learning Opportunities2 holly zurak" 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/7c9d0314-2207-453a-96df-4643273bcd80?fingerprint=ppb20260310032321" alt="Learning Opportunities1 holly zurak" 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>
Indigenous Day of Learning
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Columneetza and LCS were hosted by WLFN to spend the first day of learning together. We shared lunch, chose our learning (melamen, lahal and drumming, powwow, treaty and self-governance, sweat, bannock, rattle making, and touring St.Joseph's Mission) and ended with brushing off. </span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">WLFN was an amazing team to work with and we hope many relationships were kindled between our staff and 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/bd321a77-fbb4-4f57-9206-630e88d32f21?fingerprint=ppb20260218215822" alt="WLFN Hosts Lake City Staff 1 Nara Riplinger" 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/cfea8364-522a-4534-bf41-1bef3092301c?fingerprint=ppb20260218220436" alt="Indigenous Day of Learning" 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>
Starting In a Good Way
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staff members Kaylee, Rick and Shannon welcomed students back to school after summer break with a drumming in and invitation to smudge.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/35c49623-9a04-4d42-8395-c0c6600b22f3?fingerprint=ppb20251217033901" alt="IMG 9106 holly zurak" width="464" height="348" style="width:464px;height:348px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Powwow 2025 at Columneetza
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from 100 Mile Elementary attended the powwow in Williams Lake hosted by Columneetza Junior Secondary. Students experienced firsthand a rich cultural experience of drumming and dancing. This was a gathering for all people in Williams Lake and communities to be a part of a demonstration of Indigenous people's way of being. Thank you so much for inviting our school to this special day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ace12845-9488-4d06-9403-e6436275e909?fingerprint=ppb20251217035552" alt="Powwow 2025 at Columneetza" width="510" height="549" style="width:510px;height:549px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Truth and Reconciliation Week at Columneetza
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At Columneetza, we organized a series of events to demonstrate our support for and commitment to reconciliation with First Nations communities. Both students and staff actively participated in these events.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/a8594065-bfb9-57be-909e-5b2d7217d96c?fingerprint=ppb20251217035244" alt="Slide1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Smudging
Columneetza Junior Secondary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. McCartney and Ms. Billyboy, both part of the Cultural Committee volunteered to smudge at the front entrance of Columneetza to start off the week of Sept. 24th-27th & Sept. 30th honouring Truth and Reconciliation. </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/07a5a6fa-33e9-5f3e-aa7f-ca83bfd97fd1?fingerprint=ppb20251217033645" alt="o8l1qpyz.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></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>