School District 57 (SD57) has released its framework for an Engagement Process Working Group to be formed in regards to the potential name change of Kelly Road Secondary School.
In a news release today (March 3), Communication and Community Relations Officer Jason Peters says the group will work to help shape the engagement plan for the public regarding how to include the extended history of Shas ti, the proposed name at the request of Lheidli T'enneh Elders, with the more recent history of Kelly Road Secondary School.
“In this case, the definition of reconciliation couldn’t be more relevant,” Tim Bennett, Chair, Board of Education School District 57 said.
“We’re asking this working group to support the District in restoring friendly relations and making feelings and beliefs compatible with one another through the upcoming engagement process.”
The release says work will be guided by the following Principles of Reconciliation in the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action:
- (3) Reconciliation is a process of healing relationships that requires public truth sharing, apology, and commemoration that acknowledge and redress past harms
- (5) Reconciliation must create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing gaps in social, health, and economic outcomes that exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians
The following definition of reconciliation will be used as a guide:
- The restoration of friendly relations
- The action of making one view or belief compatible with another
SD57 adds the group will represent, as well as be selected by, various community members to ensure diversity and inclusion.
"They will share a responsibility to shape and guide School District 57’s proposed engagement plan with input, ideas and feedback from their stakeholder groups," the release continues.
"The result will be a plan that provides opportunity for public participation and purposeful feedback and input on elements of the new school project."
The 12-member group will include the following:
- Two KRSS students
- KRSS teacher representative
- KRSS support staff representative
- KRSS Principal or Vice-Principal
- Lheidli T'enneh Councillor
- Lheidli T'enneh Elder
- SD57 trustee representative
- SD57 Superintendent
- KRSS Parent Advisory Council representative
- Hart Community Association representative
- KRSS alumni representative
“The guiding question for the group and the participating public will be, going forward: How do we honour the inclusive history of this new school and the land it resides on?” says Anita Richardson, Superintendent.
“This will ensure an extension of the history, not an omission of either.”
