The Lheidli T’enneh is calling for more representation in the school board with one of the trustee chairs being held by a member of the Lheidli Nation.
Chief Clay Pountney said this is a necessary next step for more inclusivity within the board.
“A designated trustee position out of the seven designated to Lheidli T’enneh so we can at the highest level have more of an influence.”
Pountney said according to the aboriginal education council one-third of all children in SD57 are indigenous. He estimates there are children from over 40 different nations within the district.
“It’s a start to holding the district more accountable for our kids. We are realizing more and more since we are a separate hub our kids include everybody (other nations) else as well.”
He added since the district resides within their territory the position would need to be a Lheidli member.
SD57 Board Chair of Tim Bennett said the election process for the School Board Trustee is something they will have to take up with the provincial government because the School District doesn’t have the power to make the change.
Pountney hopes they can implement the change in time for the next election in 2022.
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