Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside made her first appearance in that role in Prince George today (Friday).
She discussed the steps being taken by the school district outlined in a Special Advisors Report released back in June.
Members of the Indigenous Education Leadership Table (IELT) met with Whiteside and talked about some of the priority work being done in the district.
“We want to implement an Indigenous Anti-racism policy, we want to amend the Indigenous Education policy, as well as we want a Whistleblower policy implemented. We would like to see the appointment of an Assistant Superintendent within Indigenous education, as well, we would like to see regular reporting from the school district when they come to IELT,” said Jayde Chingee.
Whiteside said Indigenous groups who fight for better education need to be heard.
“The work and advocacy that nations are engaged in with respect to education must be heard and acted on by boards of education.”
She added that there’s still work to do.
“We know we have Indigenous students who are disproportionately represented in alternative programs for example in the school district. That’s not necessarily unique to Prince George, but we have an opportunity to do some work here.”
Whiteside said they’ve managed to create a good foundation with the work being done between the Special Advisors, the school board, and First Nations.
“That work is going to continue, we are really at the beginning of a journey here, certainly not at the end of a journey.”
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