The Qualicum School District will join districts across the province as they implement an Indigenous Education Council (IEC).
The councils will advise on the integration of Indigenous world views into the curriculum, according to a presentation by Katie Marren, district principal of Indigenous Education, during a recent Board of Education meeting.
“The purpose of the Indigenous Education Council is for the advocacy for all Indigenous students, that includes First Nations students, Metis and Inuit, through giving advice on programs, services and achievement," Marren said.
IECs will be created in every school district in B.C. as part of new legislation by the province called the School Amendment Act (Bill 40). They are not committees of a school board but rather are their own council.
“It’s going to be a lot to learn,” said Chief Michael Recalma of Qualicum First Nation. “It’s not unlike Truth and Reconciliation, you’ve got to probably pick and go through the parts almost a few at a time because trying to chomp the whole thing would be paramount.”
Local First Nations members will advise on their distinct languages, cultures, traditions, practices and histories, according to Marren's presentation.
Two members from both Qualicum First Nation and Snaw-Naw-As First Nation will join the IEC for the Qualicum School District.
“Boards will work with First Nations to designate representatives and discuss additional members to be appointed," Marren said, and added that local First Nations should not be outnumbered on the council.
IECs will consult with only local First Nations members on how to reflect local languages, cultures, customs, traditions, protocols and histories into learning environments; and how to integrate local world views and perspectives into learning environments.
The full council must be consulted on recruitment and hiring of Indigenous Education staff, activities or resources related to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and National Indigenous Peoples Day, as well as professional development for the district.
“What is does is, I think, the intention is to ensure that the language and culture of this particular area is not forgotten and lost along the way,” said Patti Edwards, Snaw-Naw-As First Nation education coordinator.
The Qualicum School District IEC will meet to look at Bill 40 legislation, IEC policy and terms of reference.
