A review is underway after the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBIC) added their voice to a call for an investigation into claims of "bullying, harassment, discrimination, and racism" at School District 27 (SD 27).
At the Annual General Assembly of the UBCIC in September, the chiefs passed a resolution supporting calls for an investigation by Esk'etemc (previously known as Alkali Lake First Nation). The resolution said Esk'etemc chief and council had been asking for an investigation for the past two-and-a-half-years to address concerns around these issues.
The resolution references testimonials and letters provided by Esk'etemc youth, families and support staff.
UBCIC also references a meeting held in July of 2024 between Esk'etemc leadership, staff, the Minister of Education and Child Care (MEC), and MECC staff, held by Bakau Consulting. The meeting was said to support a review of Cariboo-Chilcotin School District 27 but the release states Bakau withdrew citing irreconcilable difference between MECC and SD 27.
An emailed response from the Ministry of Education and Child Care said the ministry takes any concerns brought forward very seriously.
"The ministry is currently working with the school district and B.C.'s provincial safety experts, Safer Schools Together, to address concerns and do a comprehensive district-wide review of the district's culture and climate," said the email.
The ministry expressed both appreciation for the UBCIC's advocacy and said the school district has offered their full cooperation and support in the review.
Cheryl Lenardon, who became superintendent of SD 27 in June 2024, in an emailed response, said the district is working in partnership with MECC and has been intentional in trying to create "safe and caring learning communities as school began this fall."
Lenardon said the district welcomes the review by the ministry and said the schools have been revisiting their school codes of conduct as well.
She also said two professional development days held so far this year have featured sessions on anti-racism and local First Nations culture.
The ministry also sent a list of a number of anti-racism initiatives taking place in schools across the province, including a free online anti-racism course for employees, a racism incident response guide and an online anonymous reporting tool for students (erasereportit.gov.bc.ca).
Each board of education is also now required to establish and maintain an Indigenous Education Council "to support the board to provide comprehensive and equitable education and support services for Indigenous students and improve student outcomes" and for two years now, all B.C. students must complete Indigenous-focused coursework to graduate.
The resolution by the UBCIC was moved by Kukpi7 (Chief) Fred Robbins of Esk'etemc, seconded by Judy Wilson, Osoyoos Indian Band and carried by those in attendance.
This story has been updated with a response from the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
