About Us
Guiding Nations: Lheidli T’enneh First Nation & McLeod Lake Indian Band
Governance Principle: Treatied to Govern, Declared to Lead
The Indigenous Education Council (IEC) is a collaborative governance table that brings together the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, the Indigenous Education Department, Trustees, Indigenous partners, Métis representatives, students, and community voices to strengthen Indigenous education and support Indigenous student success.
Grounded in relationship, shared leadership, and meaningful collaboration, the IEC provides Indigenous perspectives, strategic guidance, and community voice while walking alongside the Indigenous Education Department to help shape the future of Indigenous education throughout School District No. 57.
The Indigenous Education Council:
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Works alongside the Indigenous Education Department and School District No. 57 to strengthen Indigenous student success through relationship, collaboration, and shared accountability.
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Provides Indigenous perspectives and strategic guidance that help inform the Indigenous Education Implementation Plan, departmental priorities, and continuous improvement.
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Strengthens Nation-to-District relationships by fostering respectful collaboration between the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, Indigenous partners, families, and communities.
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Supports ongoing dialogue regarding Targeted Indigenous Education funding, implementation priorities, community engagement, and student success.
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Ensures Indigenous students remain at the centre of every conversation, every relationship, and every decision.
Governance History
2021-2023
Indigenous Education Leadership Table (IELT)
The Guiding Nations, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN) and McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB), on whose traditional territories School District No. 57 operates, came together to establish the Indigenous Education Leadership Table (IELT). Through this Indigenous-led governance table, they invited School District No. 57 leadership and the British Columbia Ministry of Education to work alongside them in strengthening Indigenous education through relationship, collaboration, and shared leadership. Together, they addressed systemic barriers, improved educational experiences, and laid the foundation for stronger outcomes for Indigenous learners.
2023
Bill 40 – School Amendment Act (2023)
Bill 40 - School Amendment Act (2023)
In 2023, the Province of British Columbia introduced Bill 40, strengthening Indigenous participation in public education governance by establishing Indigenous Education Councils across the province. The legislation recognized the importance of Indigenous Nations working alongside Boards of Education to help guide decisions that support Indigenous student success.
2023–Present
Indigenous Education Council (IEC)
With the introduction of Bill 40, the partners recognized that the collaborative work of the Indigenous Education Leadership Table already reflected the intent of the new legislation. Rather than creating a new table, the IELT evolved into the Indigenous Education Council (IEC), aligning its work with Bill 40 while carrying forward the strong relationships, shared leadership, and commitment to Indigenous student success that had already been established. Today, the IEC continues to bring together the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, Indigenous partners, and community voices to strengthen Indigenous education and keep Indigenous learners at the centre of every conversation, every relationship, and every decision.
Our Mission
To strengthen Indigenous student success through relationship, shared leadership, and meaningful collaboration between the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, Indigenous partners, and community, creating culturally responsive learning environments where every Indigenous learner feels welcomed, valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.
Our Vision
We envision an education system where Indigenous students feel welcomed, valued, respected, connected, and empowered to succeed. Guided by the voices of the Guiding Nations and strengthened through relationship, shared leadership, and meaningful collaboration, Indigenous learners are supported to thrive while honoring their identity, culture, language, and aspirations.
Our vision is for:
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Every Indigenous learner to experience a sense of belonging, safety, respect, and opportunity in every SD57 school.
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The Guiding Nations and School District No. 57 to continue walking together in partnership, strengthening Indigenous education through shared leadership, mutual respect, and meaningful collaboration.
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Indigenous languages, cultures, knowledge systems, and land-based learning to be valued, supported, and meaningfully integrated throughout the district.
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Indigenous student voice to help shape the future of Indigenous education through leadership opportunities, meaningful engagement, and ongoing dialogue.
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Strong relationships between the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, Indigenous partners, families, schools, and communities, recognizing that lasting change is built through relationship.
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Continuous learning and improvement, ensuring Indigenous education reflects the aspirations of the Guiding Nations while responding to the evolving needs of Indigenous learners.
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Education to strengthen identity, belonging, hope, and opportunity, creating a lasting foundation for current and future generations.
IEC Governance
Pam Spooner
Indigenous Associate
Superintendent
Mel Aksidan
Indigenous Relations Manager
Crystal Gibbs
IEC Chair, Deputy Chief, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN)
Indigenous Education
Council Members
The Indigenous Education Council is guided by appointed representatives from the Guiding Nations, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN) and McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB). Supporting members include Indigenous partner organizations, Métis representatives, other First Nations education leaders, School District No. 57 leadership, Indigenous Education Department leadership, and Indigenous student representatives. Together, they bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to strengthening Indigenous education and supporting Indigenous learners.
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(To Be Determined)
IEC Board Member/Co-Chair
(To Be Determined)
IEC Board Member/Co-Chair
(To Be Determined)
IEC Board Member/Co-Chair
(To Be Determined)
IEC Board Member/Co-Chair