A peaceful gathering of community members from throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin region gathered yesterday (Tuesday) at the School District 27 Office in Williams Lake.
They were joined by representatives from Esk’etemc First Nation and the Concerned Parents and Caregivers of Williams Lake (CPWL) to ask the Minister of Education and Child Care, Lisa Beare to respond to their calls for an investigation into bullying, harassment, discrimination, and racial violence in schools within the District.
In an email response, the Ministry stated they have directed BC’s provincial safety experts, Safer Schools Together, to conduct an independent, comprehensive, district-wide review of the Cariboo Chilcotin School District’s culture and climate.
“Student and staff safety is the top priority of the Ministry and the School District. Anytime concerns are brought forward, the Ministry takes them very seriously.”
Esk’etemc Chief Fred Robbins said “Our last letter, sent in early January of this year, asked Minister Beare to meet with us and have a conversation to hear the concerns and the stories of our community members, Our request for that meeting has gone unanswered.
“Minister Beare met with SD27 leadership, leaders from Williams Lake First Nation and would be Happy to meet with the Chief of Esk’etemc First Nation. The Ministry appreciates the advocacy on this important matter and will continue to work with First Nations leadership and all education partners to ensure schools are inclusive and welcoming places for all students. Ministry staff are meeting weekly, and as needed, with District leadership to address the concerns raised,” the Ministry said.
Director of Education with Esk’etemc, Calvin Dubray, also attended the gathering.
“Our youth is our most valuable resource and we need to do everything we can in our power to protect and make sure they’re safe. Our schools are meant to be the safe building’s in our community and when we have children that are afraid to go to school and experiencing physical violence, bullying, racial violence, harassment, we need to take a look at what’s happening at the higher level leadership and what kinds of action plans and or strategies do they have or are they implementing to negate these things from happening.”
Dubray said this is a problem he knows is a problem provincially, across Canada.
“We are trying to be the first ones to bring this to light and get it addressed by the Ministry. Our leadership within our District, and the leadership at the Provincial level aren’t doing what they’re suppose to be doing. Their number one job is to keep kids safe and that’s not happening.”
“We heard the families and advocates in our community voice their concerns during the event held outside the board office,” School District 27 Superintendent Cheryl Lenardon said, “We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, who support our ongoing work. We know that parents and families care deeply about their children and their future, as do we. We continue to look for ways to address concerns as we know there is always room for growth and improvement, and we fully recognize that hard work is ahead of us.”
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