Circle of Nation-Led Education
GUIDING NATIONS
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation & McLeod Lake Indian Band
GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLE
Treatied to Govern, Declared to Lead
Our Mission
To strengthen Indigenous student success by walking together in relationship, shared leadership, and meaningful collaboration with the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, Indigenous partners, families, and communities. Guided by Indigenous voices and grounded in mutual respect and accountability, we work to ensure every Indigenous learner feels welcomed, valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.
Purpose
The Indigenous Education Council (IEC) exists to strengthen Indigenous student success through relationship, shared leadership, and meaningful collaboration between the Guiding Nations and School District No. 57.
The Council brings together the Guiding Nations, School District leadership, the Indigenous Education Department, Trustees, Indigenous partners, Métis representatives, students, and community voices to strengthen relationships, share perspectives, and help shape the future of Indigenous education.
Working alongside the Indigenous Education Department, the IEC provides Indigenous perspectives, strategic guidance, and community voice to help ensure Indigenous education reflects the aspirations of the Guiding Nations while supporting equitable, culturally responsive, and student-centered learning environments.
Above all, we are committed to keeping Indigenous students at the centre of every conversation, every relationship, and every decision.
Guiding Principles
The Indigenous Education Council is guided by principles that reflect both Indigenous ways of knowing and the shared commitment of the Guiding Nations and School District No. 57 to support Indigenous learners. These principles shape how we gather, how we build relationships, and how we work together in support of Indigenous student success.
Student-Centered
Indigenous students remain at the heart of every discussion, every relationship, and every decision. We are committed to creating learning environments where every Indigenous learner feels safe, welcomed, valued, respected, and supported to achieve success in ways that honor their identity, culture, language, and aspirations.
Relationship First
Strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful change. We are committed to building respectful, trusting relationships between the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, Indigenous partners, families, staff, and communities, recognizing that lasting change happens through relationship before process.
Respect
Every voice brings knowledge and experience. We listen with respect, speak with honesty, and create space for diverse perspectives while honoring the cultures, traditions, and teachings of all Nations represented.
Shared Responsibility
Supporting Indigenous learners is a shared responsibility. While each organization and individual carries unique roles, we work together toward a common purpose: improving opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous students.
Collaboration
The best decisions are made together. We value open dialogue, transparency, shared learning, and a willingness to work collaboratively in the spirit of continuous improvement.
Accountability
We are committed to acting with integrity and accountability. By honoring our commitments, following through on shared priorities, and reflecting on our work, we strengthen our collective responsibility to Indigenous learners.
Looking to Future Generations
Today's decisions shape tomorrow's opportunities. Our work is guided not only by the needs of today but by our shared responsibility to leave a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive education system for future generations.
Walking Together
The Indigenous Education Council reflects the shared commitment of the Guiding Nations and School District No. 57 to walk together in a good way. By respecting one another's roles, strengthening relationships, and working collaboratively, we create the conditions for Indigenous learners to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to understanding the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and how we work together to strengthen Indigenous education and support Indigenous learners throughout School District No. 57.
What is the Indigenous Education Council (IEC)?
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.
Established through provincial legislation and built upon years of relationship-building, the IEC provides Indigenous leadership, strategic guidance, and community voice to help strengthen Indigenous education across the district.
At the heart of every conversation, every relationship, and every decision are Indigenous students.
What is the role of IEC?
The Indigenous Education Council works alongside the Indigenous Education Department and School District No. 57 to help ensure Indigenous education reflects the priorities and aspirations of the Guiding Nations while supporting the success of Indigenous learners.
The Council's responsibilities include:
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Providing Indigenous perspectives to inform strategic priorities.
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Supporting the development and ongoing implementation of the Indigenous Education Implementation Plan.
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Reviewing progress toward shared priorities and Indigenous student success.
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Providing guidance on Indigenous Education priorities and Targeted Indigenous Education funding.
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Strengthening relationships between the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, Indigenous partners, families, and communities.
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Encouraging transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
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Keeping Indigenous students at the centre of every conversation and decision.
Where does IEC comes from?
The Indigenous Education Council is the result of years of relationship-building between the Guiding Nations and School District No. 57, strengthened through provincial legislation that recognizes the importance of Indigenous participation in public education.
The Council is grounded in:
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Ministerial Order 217/2024 – Indigenous Education Council Order
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United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)
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Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Calls to Action
Before the Indigenous Education Council was established, the Guiding Nations, School District No. 57, and the Ministry of Education came together through the Indigenous Education Leadership Table (IELT) to address systemic barriers and reimagine Indigenous education in the district. Built on trust, relationship, and a shared commitment to Indigenous learners, the IELT became the foundation from which the Indigenous Education Council evolved. With the introduction of Bill 40 and Ministerial Order 217/2024, that collaborative work was formally recognized through the creation of the Indigenous Education Council, ensuring Indigenous voices continue to help guide the future of Indigenous education in School District No. 57.
We Welcome
Your Voice
Feel free to contact us for any inquiries or feedback. We are here to assist you.
