Indigenous Education

About

way'. Hello and welcome.

School District 22 (SD22) respectfully acknowledges that our district is situated on the unceded, ancestral, and contemporary lands of the syilx Okanagan people. We honour the language, culture, history and teachings of the syilx Okanagan people that are deeply connected to these lands. SD22 also acknowledges the contributions of the Métis, Inuit, and other urban Indigenous partners that reside in this territory.

The SD22 Indigenous Education Program delivers culturally-appropriate enhanced programs and services to support the academic and personal success of students who self-identify as being of Indigenous ancestry and provide yearly consent for services. The term “Indigenous ancestry” embraces all First Nations, status and non-status, Métis and Inuit peoples. To learn more about the services and supports offered by the Indigenous Education Department, please view the SD22 Indigenous Education video.

The Indigenous Education Department's services and supports is guided by the voices of the SD22 Indigenous Education Council (IEC). The IEAC brings together representatives from the Okanagan Indian Band, Vernon & Métis Association, and North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society, as well as SD22 staff and trustees. The IEC encompasses the values of consultation, communication, collaboration and consensus building. In 2023, the IEC co-created the 2023-2028 SD22 kʷu ck̓ʷul̓x Enhancement Agreement with four key goals in support of Indigenous student success:

1.Deepen the knowledge and understanding of Indigenous and syilx peoples, including language, histories, continued traditions, and contemporary contexts for all students, staff, and community.

2. Improve opportunities and supports for Indigenous student engagement and achievement.

3. Support the sense of wellness, safety, belonging, pride and identity for all Indigenous students.

4. Welcome and value Indigenous voices in the district for strong relationships with Indigenous students, families, and communities.

The Indigenous Education program is also guided by our district's Local Education Agreement 2025-2028 with the Okanagan Indian Band and is designed to meet the unique learning and cultural needs of on-reserve learners.

In addition, theSD22 Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL) has goals to support and foster the success of Indigenous students and all students.