Indigenous Education Centre
The Indigenous Education Centre serves schools in School District 60, developing and promoting Indigenous programs that increase knowledge and understanding in the community. Working with teachers, support workers, administrators, and the broader community, its representatives assist with providing cultural awareness sessions, workshops, counselling, restorative justice facilitation and more.
District Principal – Pat Jansen
- Develop programming and strategies to improve SD 60 Indigenous student success
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Indigenous Education program
- Supervise six on-site staff and thirty-five school staff
- Chair and collaborate with Indigenous Education Council for student success
- Manage an annual budget
- Follow Ministry protocols and guidelines, with respect to programming/budget/values and educational pedagogy
- Continuously, researching best practices for programs
- Direct Line: 250-794-5051 or Email pjansen@prn.bc.ca
Administrative Assistant – Ashley Egroff
- Responsible for the general administration of office – Receptionist duties, accounting, attendance, general office duties
- Assist new staff with set up of equipment and programsProvide support for on-site staff as well as ISSWs, YCWs, Transition Coaches and support Teachers
- Assist District Principal in various areas, budget, meetings, travel arrangements, etc.
- Direct Line: 250-794-5050 or Email: aegroff@prn.bc.ca
District Language & Cultural, Librarian Teacher – Diane Barclay
- Developing Indigenous focused lesson plans
- Collaborating with teachers seeking to implement Indigenous content into their curriculum
- Supporting teachers and ISSW’/YCWs in promoting the First People’s Principles of Learning
- Providing Indigenous cultural content through presentations face to face as well as virtually
- Promoting locally relevant resources
- Collecting resources for hands on learning
- Collaborating with local Indigenous community members to create Language resources
- Connect outside resources such as elders and knowledge keepers to provide their expertise in classrooms
- Assemble resources for teaching and support staff
- Order academic resources connected to BC curriculum
- Expand Indigenous resource books for library
- Direct Line: 250-794-5054 or Email: dbarclay@prn.bc.ca
District Transition Coach Support Teacher – Valerie Shipley
- Work closely with Principals and school staff, using district data, to identify Indigenous student progress
- Track “Early Leavers’ and work with stakeholders in planning for and implementing re-engagement program as well as co-facilitating community outreach sessions to bridge gap between Indigenous communities and school
- Monitor and support the development and implementation of the learning plan (Learning Journeys)for Indigenous learners.
- Monitor Insight for all Student Service
- Seek and apply advice and guidance from members of the Indigenous communities including elders and education representatives
- Collaborate with secondary school staffs and administrators to develop and implement strategic models of learning support and/or interventions that keep Indigenous students on a path of graduation
- Provide in-service/learning sessions to the district and to school staffs regarding research-based practices that lead to improved outcomes for all learners with a specific focus on Indigenous Learners
- Direct Line: 250-794-5052 or Email vshipley@prn.bc.ca
Indigenous Cultural Coordinator – Roberta Chouinard-Mayes
- Cultural liaison between local First Nations Communities, other Indigenous communities, students, parents, and school staff
- Advocate for Indigenous students, ensuring their unique needs are addressed and have access to resources and support
- Organize cultural awareness programs, workshops, and events within the district to promote understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, history, and traditions with an emphasis on local First Nations culture and knowledge
- Assist in the organization and planning of district cultural events and professional development events hosted by the Indigenous Education Department
- Assist in the development and adaptation of educational resources that reflect Indigenous perspective and content, with an emphasis on local First Nations knowledge/culture, supporting teachers and students in their learning
- Assist in maintaining up-to-date Indigenous Education department statistics, finances, and board reports
- Collaborate with local First Nations communities and other Indigenous communities to involve them in the educational process, seeking input on cultural programs
- Offer training and professional development opportunities for educators and SD 60 staff to enhance their understanding of Indigenous cultural and pedagogical processes
- Direct Line: 250-794-5055 or Email: rchouinard@prn.bc.ca
First Nations Community-School Liaison Worker – Melanie Jansen
- Supports meaningful connections between First Nations communities and schools by fostering relationships, advocating for students and families
- Promoting culturally responsive practices
- Facilitates smooth student transitions, guides staff on community protocols, coordinates community and school events
- Contributes to data collection and reporting to strengthen collaboration and student success.
- Email: mjansen@prn.bc.ca
Elementary Youth Care Worker – Jody Ryan
- Works with teachers and administrators, and with Indigenous students and parents, to promote the classroom success and eventual graduation of secondary students
- Provides related support services to teachers, parents and school administrators
- Works with teachers, school administrators and district personnel to promote cultural awareness within the classroom
- ISSWs are able to access/request Itinerant Forms via email
- Can be reached at 250-794-0615 or email jryan@prn.bc.ca