Indigenous Education Support Services

Provides services to students of aboriginal ancestry to enhance their school experience. This includes:

• Cultural awareness and enhancement
• Career planning
• Goal setting
• Personal counselling
• Academic support/counselling

Note: The BC Ministry of Education defines an Aboriginal student as: A person who is identified by their family as having Metis, Inuit, or First Nation Ancestry. (The Federal terms, status and non-status, do not apply to this definition.)

The Aboriginal Council on Education provides guidance to the School District in the administration of the Aboriginal Program. It is composed of a wide representation from the Aboriginal community and meets regularly to plan for student success.

The Director of Student Support Servicesis responsible for the Aboriginal Education Program and works closely with the Aboriginal Council on Education and the Aboriginal Education Program Teacher to implement the goals.

The Program Teacher coordinates and provides assistance to the Support Workers, the Cultural Coordinator, and classroom teachers.

The Cultural Coordinator, consults with Elementary and Secondary school staff to facilitate the integration of Aboriginal cultural material into their classes and coordinates district-wide events and performances related to Aboriginal culture.

Aboriginal Support Workers provide academic support/coaching in literacy, numeracy and study skills, as well as supporting cultural experiences under the direction of the Aboriginal Education Program Teacher.