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:
Student Leadership Council
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;">An Indigenous student leadership council has started meeting regularly at Lake City Secondary. Students are invited to share input into the educational decisions that have impact on their educational experience. Recently, BC's Superintendent of Indigenous Education joined the meeting to listen to input from students. Students will continue to meet throughout the year, sharing their voice, and guiding their educational experience. The district is now looking to create a similar structure as PSO.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1318e8ab-8d5d-4a87-bb0e-a8abcf5a8238" alt="Student Leadership Council Grant Gustafson 1" width="544" height="363" style="width:544px;height:363px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
WLFN LEA Signing Ceremony
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;">February 25, 2026 was a meaningful day for the collaboration between WLFN and School District #27. On this day representatives from WLFN Chief and Council, School District leadership, and private schools took part in a local education agreement (LEA) signing ceremony. The event celebrated and honoured the shared commitment to supporting WLFN students throughout their educational journey.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MC’s for the event were School District Indigenous role models, Michaellaine Evans and Terrance Ramos. Special guest included BC’s Superintendent of Indigenous Education Brad Baker. Those in attendance witnessed the ongoing commitment and working relationship that has been built over the years. The common theme of the evening was keeping the educational success of each and every child at the center of discussions and decision making. Brad Baker stated, “This agreement is a lighthouse for other districts to follow.”</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School District 27 is very proud of the collaboration and working relationship that transforms an accountability document into systemic change for student success.</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/5ce8dafd-33b4-444d-b2c2-45b8193f007c" alt="WLFN LEA signing ceremony2 Grant Gustafson" 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/82ed886a-0fd8-42a6-b8e8-5de9129f24a7" alt="WLFN LEA signing ceremony1 Grant Gustafson" 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>
Xatsull Community Night
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;">Xatsull and SD 27 partner together for a parent information night in community. The night included dinner, introductions, and Q and A session, and playtime following. The district representation included the Senior Leadership team, 4 school principals, and an Indigenous Support Worker. Thank you to the Xatsull Education Department for organizing the evening.</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/3b8c166e-bf12-44f5-849d-b169b63bc43b" alt="Xatsull Community Night1 Grant Gustafson" 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/a1323f4b-edae-463f-b565-bbe96938a851" alt="Xatsull Community Night2 Grant Gustafson" 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>
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" 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" 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" 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" 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>
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="682" height="512" style="width:682px;height:512px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><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" 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" 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" 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" 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" 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" 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" 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" 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" alt="IMG 9106 holly zurak" width="464" height="348" style="width:464px;height:348px;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><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/00980245-9526-4662-aa58-2ab02eff79dc" alt="District Lahal Tournament2" 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/70789b1a-05c1-4e5a-a2c9-7b39f4555a3f" alt="District Lahal Tournament1" 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>
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" alt="Powwow 2025 at Columneetza" width="510" height="549" style="width:510px;height:549px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><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="459" height="609" style="width:459px;height:609px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><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" alt="Slide1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><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>