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School district committee to look at reconciliation, Indigenous rights

A new School District 57 committee will look at what the district can do to implement the recommendations of the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission and UN declaration for the rights of Indigenous people.
School district

A new School District 57 committee will look at what the district can do to implement the recommendations of the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission and UN declaration for the rights of Indigenous people.

On Tuesday the district board of education approved, in principle, the terms of reference for the ad hoc committee. 

"I can only see that great things will come from this committee," trustee Betty Bekkering said.

Trustee Tim Bennett proposed the terms of reference for the committee be approved in principle, so the committee can hold its first meeting and propose changes to the terms of reference.

"It's really hard for us to move down the road of reconciliation, but tell everybody how the committee will work," Bennett said. 

Trustee Sharel Warrington agreed, saying that the committee members need to have a say in how their work is done.

"It gives an opportunity for the committee itself to decide their terms of reference," Warrington said. "It's very important that their voice is heard, and that we listen."

The committee will include two trustees; district superintendent Anita Richardson; district secretary-treasurer Darleen Patterson; director of indigenous education Pam Spooner; and one student, elder, councillor and the education manager/director each from the Lheidli T'enneh Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band and Simpcw First Nation.

"This is a very large membership... but can be effective," trustee Ron Palillo said.

The committee is expected to begin meeting this month, and report back to the board by the end of June 2021.

"It's important work, and it's going to be time-consuming," board chairperson Trent Derrick said.