An event geared toward connection and conversation around Indigenous education within School District 57 is set for Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Prince George Secondary School.
Organizers of the SD 57 Indigenous Education Community Dinner are inviting Indigenous families into this safe space where facilitator and SD 57 Elder Vince Prince will guide discussions on what’s working and what’s not.
To make this a family-friendly event, childcare will be provided, along with dinner and door prizes.
“We’re looking to get Indigenous families to attend to get feedback from community on the programs that we are offering and we’re basically asking what’s going well and what needs work,” Jennifer Pighin, SD 57 Indigenous education vice principal, language and culture, said.
“We’re also looking to see what the needs are and we’d like to hear right from community.”
SD57 receives Indigenous Education Targeted Funding, provided by the BC government to boards of education as a targeted spending portion of the operating funds to support school-age students who self-identify as being of Indigenous ancestry participating in Indigenous education programs and services. These funds are to be spent on the provision of enhanced Indigenous education programs and services that are in addition to any other programs and services to which the student is eligible. The amount is in addition to the basic per-pupil allocation.
“We get this funding and so getting input from community is really important,” Pighin said.
SD 57 Indigenous Education Community Dinners are a series of events that will also take place place at McLeod Lake Indian Band Office gymnasium and the Mackenzie Secondary School Learning Commons on May 7.
“This is a space where people can provide feedback for the school district in general as well,” Pighin said. “It’s a safe space where we have Vince Prince facilitating the discussion. We’re trying to create a space where people can speak freely. During the discussion period staff won’t be there so that community input can be the focus.”
Because the event offers free childcare, the district is looking for certified youth babysitters to keep the children entertained with a variety of activities during the discussion portion of the evening.
“That will help families in attendance to focus more on the discussion,” Pighin said.
“That was one of the points made by the feedback we got from our first dinner held in November, noting that families needed childcare to be able to attend so we want to provide that.”
The community dinners will also address the issue of Indigenous education equity within SD 57 that seeks to improve the success of Indigenous students and increasing access to education. This work involves addressing systemic barriers, increasing Indigenous representation, and creating inclusive learning environments, the SD 57 website explained.
“And that’s the biggest thing, seeing where the supports are needed and how we can help individuals and families with their student’s success,” Pighin said.
“We want to see how we can really support students in the school setting but also about how we can support parents while they are supporting their children through the education system. We want to make sure we have a safe environment for their learning journeys.”
All ages are welcome to attend the SD57 Indigenous Education Community Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Prince George Secondary School cafeteria, 2901 Griffiths Ave.
Dinner and door prizes provided. Register with Dorthy at 250-562-4843 or [email protected].
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