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:
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>
Professional Development Reflection: Honouring Indigenous Medicines and Traditional Knowledge
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On November 24, 2025, I had the opportunity to attend a powerful professional development session focused on making Indigenous medicines. It was more than a workshop it was a chance to learn from traditional knowledge keepers, connect with cultural teachings, and understand the deep importance of these practices.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning about Indigenous medicines isn’t just about creating remedies. It’s about honoring ancestral knowledge, respecting the land, and appreciating the relationships between people, plants, and community. These teachings carry wisdom that has supported wellbeing for generations, and continuing to learn them is a meaningful way to preserve and uplift Indigenous ways of knowing.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I left the day feeling grateful, inspired, and humbled. It was an honour to be part of this experience, and I’m thankful for the guidance, generosity, and stories that were shared. This learning will stay with me, and I look forward to continuing to building our stories and 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/d9ecdcaf-c37f-4bb8-87a0-0c7a3b85612c" alt="ProD Reflection Honouring Indigenous Medicines and Traditional Knowledge2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><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/cdce4040-6d54-4b2e-803e-05e9f6f82e79" alt="ProD Reflection Honouring Indigenous Medicines and Traditional Knowledge1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Every Child Matters
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On September 30, Canadians wear orange to recognize the survivors of residential schools and to honour the children who never returned home. Orange Shirt Day began with Phyllis Webstad’s story, when her new orange shirt was taken away on her first day of residential school. This simple act became a powerful symbol of the loss of language, culture, and identity that many Indigenous children endured.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At École 100 Mile Elementary, our students took part in authentic learning experiences, including a smudging ceremony and cultural activities that residential schools once tried to strip away. These experiences remind us of the strength and resilience of Indigenous traditions, and why it is vital to learn with respect and humility.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">True reconciliation begins within. It calls us to listen to survivors, to learn about our shared history, and to reflect deeply on our role in building a more respectful future. By honouring Indigenous voices and culture, we commit to ensuring that every child truly matters.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ab51ca3a-a254-4da9-ba86-996bd5632d2e" alt="Every Child Matters crystaldawn langton" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Honouring Indigenous Education Through Hands-On Learning
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Indigenous education is essential for building cultural understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging within our school. It helps students connect with the rich histories, traditions, and knowledge of the First Peoples whose land we live and learn on.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This week, Mrs. Dixon introduced students to the art and meaning of hoop dancing—an expressive storytelling tradition—before taking the learning outdoors so students could try it themselves. Penny Reid also led a lesson on talking sticks, which are used in many First Nations cultures to ensure everyone has a voice, teach respectful listening, and promote patience. Students then created their own talking sticks to honour these teachings.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These experiences reflect the Circle of Courage values: Belonging (connection to culture and community), Mastery (learning new traditions), Independence (expressing understanding creatively), and Generosity (listening deeply and respecting others’ stories).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fe706824-0efd-4186-bb49-e5ade4a16546" alt="Honouring Indigenous Education through Hands 2 crystaldawn langton" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Where We Live
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On District Planning Day staff at École 100 Mile Elementary engaged in a meaningful Secwepemc language lesson led by Irene Gilbert from Tq’ésqen First Nation. Irene shared words and phrases from the Secwepemctsín language, offering insight into their deep cultural significance and ancestral connection to this land.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Following the language session, staff moved outdoors to our community garden, where they received a lesson and created pictographs inspired by traditional Indigenous art forms. These experiences reflect our belief that it is just as important for adults as it is for students to learn about the rich history and living culture of the land we live and learn on.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through this learning, staff model the Circle of Courage values: Belonging by building relationships with local Knowledge Keepers, Mastery by developing new understandings, Independence by taking responsibility for their own growth, and Generosity by passing this learning on to our students and school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/14b40429-4379-4681-b398-3fde1b112ca1" alt="Where We Live 1 crystaldawn langton" 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>
South End Schools are Treated to a day of Indigenous Learning at Tsqescen 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><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7add5176-ee2d-4ea0-9abf-a444f86796c1" alt="South End Schools Indigenous Day 2" width="442" height="589" style="width:442px;height:589px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Elder in Residence
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elder Elsie Urquhart is our Elder in Residence at 100 Mile Elementary school. She came to us in October 2024 and quickly established a grandmother role in our school. She is a major support that helps us connect to our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. All her teachings come from an Indigenous perspective and strong understanding of Indigenous history in the community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2efba7a4-eb0f-4a59-856d-5a16cb7767dc" alt="Elder Wisdom" width="499" height="532" style="width:499px;height:532px"></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="475" height="630" style="width:475px;height:630px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Talking Sticks
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Talking sticks are a traditional tool used by many North American Indigenous peoples during meetings and discussions. They serve as a symbolic means of communication, allowing each speaker to have the floor without interruption. The use of a talking stick fosters respect, active listening, and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard. This practice reflects the values of community and consensus, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in decision-making processes. By holding the stick, a speaker is granted the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings, promoting a deeper understanding among participants.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Helmer's class worked with our Indigenous Support Worker on creating their own talking sticks to understand and use the practice.</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/f9107fe7-e3df-53dd-9ba7-a73966f00d6f" alt="uhp4yptv.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/7bbf0d3d-4f0b-5f72-933b-1213610de59e" alt="git14t8e.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>
Walking Together on Orange Shirt Day
100 Mile Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we learn to walk together, we do so when we cultivate understanding, compassion, and connection. Students of 100 Mile Elementary were able to attend pow wows at both Tsq'escen and T’exelcemc for a first-hand expereience of the healing power and beauty of dance and drum. Primary students that stayed on site created their own orange shirts and statements about how they will move forward as people seeking to make reconciliation reality with statements such as, "I will be kind," "I will try to understand others," and "I will be loving." Intermediate students came together in an assembly to discuss how a legacy of dishonesty and hurt was created upon the first treaties in their misleading and taking advantage of indigenous peoples, and how cultural genocide has had tremendously hurtful and lasting impacts. As a whole school, we then walked together while Mrs. Dixon offered a smudge for any and all members of our school community.</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/93d1a32e-0197-51d7-949f-0809cc79a3b3" alt="Image%20(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/5f857bac-0423-5b95-b474-1a0002918b54" alt="Image.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>