Indigenous Learning & Culture

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We couldn’t be more proud of Cariboo‑Chilcotin School District Indigenous Role Models Anaiya Hink (Grade 12) and Landen Williams (Grade 11). These outstanding students embody two‑eyed seeing, embracing and learning about their Indigenous roots and culture while excelling in all of their classes at Lake City Secondary. We are excited for the impact these two will make in the years ahead.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/abd8fadf-ad0d-40c8-adc9-b1b3bcec5611?fingerprint=ppb20260630215111" alt="SD 27 Role Models also represent LCSS" width="484" height="646" style="width:484px;height:646px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Another year to be grateful of having Aubrey Jackson in our building. Aubrey has an uncanny ability to notice what students need and create space and teachings to help them. We appreciate the generosity of his time and we know he makes our school a better place for everyone.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Indigenous Support Workers, Karen Dillabough and Karen Grant, gifted Aubrey with a beautiful drum they made.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/df1a29d0-4487-4c6d-9731-e37f3776d3d5?fingerprint=ppb20260630213241" alt="Thank you to our Elder in Residence 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/50847c34-dfd5-4421-b666-4e5f03c21e67?fingerprint=ppb20260630213246" alt="Thank you to our Elder in Residence 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Friday, June 12, Lake City Secondary &nbsp;celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026. The ceremony was a joyful occasion, honouring the accomplishments of our students and the bright futures that lie ahead of them.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This graduating class holds a special place in our district’s journey, as they are the first cohort to have experienced learning about Truth and Reconciliation throughout their entire K–12 education. Their growth in understanding, empathy, and commitment to reconciliation reflects the ongoing work and values of our schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Graduates, families, and community members in attendance had the honour of hearing Phyllis Webstad remind us all of the importance of truth, learning, and shared responsibility in building a better future.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are incredibly proud of you!&nbsp;</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 33px;"><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cee19c52-d6b7-4021-ad78-84965b107169?fingerprint=ppb20260615160323" alt="Lake City Graduation 2026 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8b416737-6a93-40da-be33-4a09a575c880?fingerprint=ppb20260615160306" alt="Lake City Graduation 2026 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from the Lake City Secondary CORE class and cooking class came together to prepare an amazing array of wild meats — including bear, deer, and fish — complemented by an all‑time favourite side: bannock.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a66d1940-31a4-4796-9508-dfa74d6841b6?fingerprint=ppb20260611163627" alt="indigenous feast 1 Yvonne Davis" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/df30925f-8777-4780-9acf-540a4aae9814?fingerprint=ppb20260611163629" alt="indigenous feast 2 Yvonne Davis" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students have been working very hard to complete their Capstone Projects. Here we see a drum and an Anorak project.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5e11981d-6b58-4419-9213-f7f00553bbe3?fingerprint=ppb20260519162524" alt="Projects for grade 12 Capstone 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9560cd5d-dabb-4ce1-b710-001711d37ad6?fingerprint=ppb20260519162521" alt="Projects for grade 12 Capstone" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On April 22-24, twenty three students took part in a post secondary tour at TRU Kamloops. Students explored the campus and took part in departmental presentations from the trades, nursing, business, veterinary, and Science. Students also participated in the campus makerspace and a scavenger hunt. Students also took part in a powerful tour at Kamloops Indian Residential School and tested their skills at escaping from the Exit Rooms. Many students were excited about the opportunities that post secondary education provides.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c57a396b-8228-4e8c-be5d-d35a52d5b186?fingerprint=ppb20260506213212" alt="TRU Tour" width="480" height="532" style="width:480px;height:532px;display:inline-block"></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/560a7ab5-51e6-4e56-8dda-56a60aab179d?fingerprint=ppb20260506213210" alt="TRU Tour 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director of Indigenous Education, Grant Gustafson, led discussion for Lake City Secondary students surrounding the Indigenous Leadership Council. This initiative will allow students to explore topics within the Indigenous Education department and give their suggestions on how to improve learning and engagement for students. Dr. Brad Baker, Associate Superintendent of Indigenous Education of BC, was able to spend time meeting students during one of the meetings.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/719e3f75-967e-4562-bceb-4b2e7db2de47?fingerprint=ppb20260318025857" alt="Indigenous Leadership 2 Nara Riplinger" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/abe97a71-918a-4139-8626-16e38ebac1a6?fingerprint=ppb20260318025857" alt="Indigenous Leadership 1 Nara Riplinger" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Longtime serving Xat'sull chief, lawyer, and author, Bev Sellars took time to discuss her first book, "They Called Me Number One," with Lake City Secondary's English 12 First Peoples class. Bev was also an advisor to the BC Treaty Commission and is a knowledgeable advocate for Indigenous rights. Lake City was honored to host her and we know that she will continue to inspire the youth in our school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/511944d4-aea5-4879-ad83-f06cc203466c?fingerprint=ppb20260318025144" alt="Bev Sellars Nara Riplinger" width="475" height="633" style="width:475px;height:633px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 10-12 students at Lake City Secondary attended the Thomas-Dueck Powwow at Columneetza School. Their intricate footwork and handmade regalia leave spectators impressed. Younger participants also gain inspiring role models through this district‑wide annual event. Some of the dancers are completing an Independent Directed Studies in Textiles 12 as they work on their regalia at school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/30b55609-f561-4723-b11f-a5c449df03c1?fingerprint=ppb20260318024727" alt="Lake City Powwow Dancers Nara Riplinger" width="521" height="651" style="width:521px;height:651px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An Indigenous student leadership council has started meeting regularly at Lake City Secondary. Students are invited to share input into the educational decisions that have impact on their educational experience. Recently, BC's Superintendent of Indigenous Education joined the meeting to listen to input from students. Students will continue to meet throughout the year, sharing their voice, and guiding their educational experience. The district is now looking to create a similar structure at PSO.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1318e8ab-8d5d-4a87-bb0e-a8abcf5a8238?fingerprint=ppb20260306051216" alt="Student Leadership Council Grant Gustafson 1" width="544" height="363" style="width:544px;height:363px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A fantastic Pro D with Dancing Water Sandy and Freda Alphonse was had at LCSS. So much information on the history of bead making, colour significance and enjoyment of community. A great day of meditation and fellowship. To complete a new experience with laughter and friendship develops an understanding of all who participate.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d53b5afa-1c6b-44a1-a4ac-eef3ca6f6ff9?fingerprint=ppb20260301051653" alt="beading 2 Yvonne Davis" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fcdee8aa-f3ae-4a4d-bce3-7127867b946a?fingerprint=ppb20260301051653" alt="beading Yvonne Davis" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students are so excited to be learning how to make their own anoraks with Elder in Residence, Aubrey Jackson. Making and cutting patterns, designing the trim, and navigating machine and hand-sewing are a few of the skills the students are gaining.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2e1861dc-25a0-40a9-885d-2f2f702ef750?fingerprint=ppb20251217033835" alt="Anorak Project Nara Riplinger" width="552" height="414" style="width:552px;height:414px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Phyllis Webstad and Margaret-Anne Enders from the Orange Shirt Society stopped in to thank student volunteers from Orange Shirt Day. They were able to meet our Elder in Residence as well as the students who are working on their anoraks.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/dfd21ab8-76f1-4cbc-8903-7acdc5031c38?fingerprint=ppb20251217040405" alt="Orange Shirt Society Stops In Nara Riplinger" width="524" height="393" style="width:524px;height:393px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A huge thank you to the K-Society (Knucwentwecw) for hosting a student services fair at LCSS; informing students of the different services available in Williams Lake. The fair started off with a beautiful prayer by Chief Sellars and drumming and Little Chief students dancing. They spoiled us all with pizza and prizes too!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cd6519b5-c55d-4e02-87e6-f7f849e60c92?fingerprint=ppb20260310040636" alt="Student Services Fair Yvonne Davis" width="549" height="412" style="width:549px;height:412px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned how to fillet, brine, and smoke salmon with the help of Indigenous Support Workers, Karen D. and Karen G.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Others spent a few days making drums in their band class and French Immersion Art class. These are small ways we can work towards Truth and Reconciliation- bringing knowledge and culture into our schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c3f6edf1-07e3-40a8-ab85-9be6d2e96718?fingerprint=ppb20251217040218" alt="Drums and Salmon Nara Riplinger" width="564" height="705" style="width:564px;height:705px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Ms. McCambridge's classes worked on a ceramic shoe exhibit inspired by Haida artist Tamara Bell. You can see the miniature boots and runners as well as the discarded moccasins representing the lost culture of Indigenous youth. They complemented the tiny shoes with Messages of Truth in the form of blackout poetry.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/64a6936f-cb32-4138-b1cb-c3df71d5730e?fingerprint=ppb20260310032033" alt="Art Instillation 2 Nara Riplinger" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/dfcefe9a-fd30-481f-b434-a66917ca6b07?fingerprint=ppb20260310032033" alt="Art Instillation 1 Nara Riplinger" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All staff at Lake City Secondary and Columneetza were hosted by Williams Lake First Nation. We shared lunch, chose our learning (melamen, lahal and drumming, powwow, treaty and self-governance, sweat, bannock, rattle making, and touring St.Joseph's Mission) and ended with brushing off.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">WLFN was an amazing team to work with and we hope many relationships were kindled between our staff and community.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We also had Mary Forbes from Waste Wise help minimize our footprint during lunch.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In these photos:</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chris Wycotte Sr discusses the treaty process and where WLFN is in the journey.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City staff learn the cultural significance of a sweat before participating.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bd321a77-fbb4-4f57-9206-630e88d32f21?fingerprint=ppb20260218215822" alt="WLFN Hosts Lake City Staff 1 Nara Riplinger" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9411ddfc-e25f-4b06-8631-33c3883c9474?fingerprint=ppb20260218215822" alt="WLFN Hosts Lake City Staff 2 Nara Riplinger" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was so great to see so many elders join us at Lake City for tea, bannock, baked goods and sandwiches made and served by students and staff. An exciting round of bingo with prizes was enjoyed by all and we closed our day together with a smudging. We thank our elders for sharing a few stories with us and being part of our school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/42a2b6e8-55a5-4b64-a39a-0d36b4128ec2?fingerprint=ppb20251217033943" alt="Elders Tea" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d501f140-dae1-4eb9-91eb-4ed12b0737ee?fingerprint=ppb20251217040323" alt="Elders Tea" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A great day for Brianna Pope to share her Independent Directed Studies learning to her panel of evaluators. Brianna took on the learning challenge of finding ways to incorporate traditional healing practices into Western Medicine. Her learning path took her across Canada touring academic institutions where she will be able to pursue her educational dreams. What an amazing young learner! Congratulations on a successful IDS!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/96510f13-2fc4-450c-93f4-86f537ac2acf?fingerprint=ppb20251217035020" alt="Independent Directed Studies Showcase" width="650" height="462" style="width:650px;height:462px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On May 1-2, seven students travelled to Kamloops to take part in the Okanagan Mainline Region Indigenous Education Student Leadership Summit. The purpose of the summit is to provide students from around the region the platform for their voices to be heard and shared. The topic of the summit was Mental Health.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d0bceeee-da5e-4b60-aa57-4145106c5689?fingerprint=ppb20251217040307" alt="OMRIE 2025" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a95f7e99-43b0-4ee9-9f5a-8ee7395cb2a5?fingerprint=ppb20251217035244" alt="OMRIE 2025" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On April 22-24, thirty three students travelled to TRU to see what post secondary is all about. The trip encourages to students to pursue post secondary plans. It shows students what options are available, the supports that are available for them, answers any questions they may have, and eases their transition to learning after high school. Lots of fun was had by this great group of students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bbd9a1e5-d53f-4f18-b35a-f5dfa4ff73d6?fingerprint=ppb20251217035632" alt="TRU Transition Trip" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/29596049-9420-4341-ae4f-704b5fc2e485?fingerprint=ppb20251217033821" alt="TRU Transition Trip" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned about medicines and made their own medicine pouches in Ms. Gilpin's Tsilhqot'in class. Her sister shared knowledge with the class and Elder in Residence, Aubrey Jackson, also assisted the students.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4aae35ef-5e1c-46bd-aee1-d00b080d839c?fingerprint=ppb20251217034010" alt="Medicine Pouches in Tsilhqotin Class" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fcfdb70c-6757-45d3-ada4-632da1df97f1?fingerprint=ppb20251217040636" alt="Medicine Pouches in Tsilhqotin Class" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 10 and 12 English First Peoples classes were honoured to have Kukpi7 Fred Robbins share stories and lessons from his life.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/50ab7a84-77c3-408f-b369-a85c0352169b?fingerprint=ppb20251217034024" alt="Kukpi7 Robbins Shares Knowledge" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City Secondary is very pleased to welcome Aubrey Jackson as the Elder in Residence. Aubrey is a member of the Gitxsan of Damlaxhamid and holds hereditary title as Xsimoyget Yal. Moving into retirement after 26 years as a Fisheries Officer with DFO, Aubrey can now focus on his love for his family, his commitment to reconciliation, and his connection to the land. He currently sits on the Youth Advisory Council for MCFD and has a deep understanding of children who have experienced trauma. Aubrey is an accomplished bagpiper, storyteller, chef, and outdoorsman, with his videos being shown on Rogers TV under the title, “Indigenous Way.” Our spaces will benefit from his knowledge, acceptance, positivity, and humour. Welcome, Aubrey! We are so honoured to have you with us.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/76a3d102-3956-4eaf-9ea1-90ab6ddfd009?fingerprint=ppb20251217034524" alt="Elder in Residence Aubrey Jackson" width="453" height="590" style="width:453px;height:590px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bruce Baptiste, Gary Stieman, and Jenny Quilt from Denisiqi Service Society have visited our students on two occasions to teach us how to play Lahal.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/225c5efd-1370-4d23-89fd-7f0e9a7aa162?fingerprint=ppb20251217033808" alt="Lahal at Lake City" width="545" height="516" style="width:545px;height:516px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City students and staff hosted elders for tea and bingo. The group shared stories, teaching, and lots of laughs. Lake City is hoping to host another tea in the spring.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/da5e47dd-487e-47a9-be87-7121cb00df4a?fingerprint=ppb20251217040323" alt="Elders Tea" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f01d9af6-ef28-4609-a598-0bcd8db4f2e3?fingerprint=ppb20251217040511" alt="Elders Tea" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Brianna Pope spent at LEAST 120 hours taking courses online as well as on campus at UBC. The courses ranged from exploring multiple barriers facing marginalized people, neuroscience, and integrated medicine. Brianna was an excellent student who showcased her final projects in various courses and eloquently discussed her learning. We couldn't be more proud!</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/797f15eb-10ce-470a-8391-df0eed63845e?fingerprint=ppb20251217034541" alt="Lahal at Lake City" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d14408b9-fe68-4479-be1e-f8bce4431771?fingerprint=ppb20251217040307" alt="Lahal at Lake City" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Brianna Pope spent at LEAST 120 hours taking courses online as well as on campus at UBC. The courses ranged from exploring multiple barriers facing marginalized people, neuroscience, and integrated medicine. Brianna was an excellent student who showcased her final projects in various courses and eloquently discussed her learning. We couldn't be more proud!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/43c3974a-fcb2-4f69-9e00-1c3e68c311a0?fingerprint=ppb20251217033943" alt="Brianna Pope Presents her Independent Studies Project" width="585" height="438" style="width:585px;height:438px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 12 students in Ms. Buafo's English class spent time on the medicine trail at Williams Lake First Nation. They then returned to class to learn from Freda Alphonse, Bonnie Robinson, and Karen Grant. Each of the students prepared their own medicinal salve using the plants they collected as well as bear grease, lard, and pitch medicine.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b7c7a07e-baa8-5108-a423-ff369708ce6b?fingerprint=ppb20251217035619" alt="a31j89ru.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3be99342-b3a0-57f7-8bc2-156a809b249c?fingerprint=ppb20251217033929" alt="mwfrgvbr.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned how to make bannock and shared it with others.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a25db0b4-4bcb-516e-9adc-1947ea22ffe7?fingerprint=ppb20251217035031" alt="1o20k9dt.png" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from Lake City Secondary and area learned everything from first aid to structural firefighting in this two-day session hosted by First Nations' Emergency Services. Special thanks to Kelvin Parent and the Williams Lake Fire Department as well.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/77fde44c-3bfb-5b69-a545-e9d5b6d90b5f?fingerprint=ppb20251217034524" alt="yaupglba.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lake City Secondary students help out on Orange Shirt Day at the Williams Lake First Nation Arbour.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bbed380c-b4a3-53b0-a45e-56aad32aa666?fingerprint=ppb20251217035632" alt="h84r1cb3.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a9724e27-3d77-50af-b3a1-140120e09e17?fingerprint=ppb20251217035244" alt="b3jhc7cj.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Classes attended the 'Remembering Our Children' photo exhibit hosted by Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) and Orange Shirt Society. Chris, research assistant from WLFN St. Joseph's Mission, explained the photos and students had the opportunity to reflect upon what they had seen.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0e1c53ce-ad53-5f70-810b-49f37cfa0901?fingerprint=ppb20251217033715" alt="kb4dshzo.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students learned how to play Lahal in the afternoon of Orange Shirt Day.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a098d3ab-b914-5027-a631-319e8d560031?fingerprint=ppb20251217035031" alt="5o4bfwbf-1.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b4bb7730-92c9-5100-8793-81b3e6a2d983?fingerprint=ppb20251217035619" alt="qkk219vn.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>