Ìý

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵÎÛ

Indigenous Education Department (IED)

Indigenous Education Department(IED)

Indigenous Education Department (IED)

Greater ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵÎÛ School District (GVSD) resides on the traditional territory of the Lkwungen people.Ìý We would like to acknowledge the Songhees First Nation and the Esquimalt First Nation on whose territory we live and work. Hy-sh-kwa – thank you.Ìý GVSD continues to support programs and curricula that build deeper understandings of Lkwungen history, values and language.

The purpose of the Indigenous Education Department is to prioritize improved educational outcomes for Indigenous learners by promoting practices informed by Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing. Everyone has an important role to play in ensuring the success of Indigenous students, and in supporting all learners in developing their understanding of Indigenous cultures and worldviews as the basis for creating inclusive learning environments and an equitable society. ÌýIED takes leadership in this area and invites colleagues, families and communities into the work of creating success and a better future for all students.

IED provides support to our staff and students in four key areas:

  • Student Achievement: improved literacy, numeracy, attendance, retention and graduation
  • Belonging & Identity: ensuring that Indigenous perspectives, cultures and experiences are honoured in schools
  • Awareness & Understanding: increased understanding and appreciation of Indigenous histories, traditions and protocols
  • Relationship & Partnership: developing shared initiatives to improve student outcomes

Through professional support offered to teachers and staff members and through student support programs that assist in overcoming barriers to success, IED is committed to eliminating the learning gap for Indigenous learners, nurturing cultural identity and a sense of belonging, and developing culturally responsive schools and learning environments.Ìý For more information about our programs and services, visit the.

The IED Team

Name, TitleContact Details
Dr. Shelly (Niemi) Wilton,
Director of Indigenous Education
sniemi@sd61.bc.ca
Cheryl Claibourne,
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 250-475-4124
cclaibourne@sd61.bc.ca
John Harris,
Elders & Indigenous Knowledge Facilitator
Phone: 250-883-2963
jharris@sd61.bc.ca
Kolette Cristante,
Indigenous Education Teacher Consultant - Middle
Phone: 250-893-3087
kcristante@sd61.bc.ca
Emma Milliken,
Indigenous Education Teacher Consultant - Secondary
Phone: 250-883-2936
emilliken@sd61.bc.ca
Pam Russ,
Indigenous District Counsellor – Elementary
pruss@sd61.bc.ca
David Davidson,
Indigenous District Counsellor – Middle
Phone: 250-883-6081
ddavidson@sd61.bc.ca
Joanne Mitchell,
Indigenous Education Teacher Consultant - Secondary
Phone: 250-883-2931
jomitchell@sd61.bc.ca
Alana Johnson,
Music Teacher Consultant (Drum Program)
aljohnson@sd61.bc.ca
Gordy Bear,
Arts and Culture Facilitator (Drum Program)
gbear@sd61.bc.ca
Taily Wills,
Indigenous Student and Family Advocate
twillis@sd61.bc.ca
Melanie Kennedy,
Indigenous Student and Family Advocate
Phone: 250-883-5639
mdkennedy@sd61.bc.ca
Joanne Buxton,
Indigenous Student and Family Advocate
Phone: 778-6779586
jbuxton@sd61.bc.ca
Robynn Wagorn,
Indigenous Student and Family Advocate
Phone: 250-883-2903
rwagorn@sd61.bc.ca
Elena Luna,
Indigenous Student and Family Advocate
Phone: 250-896-4990
eluna@sd61.bc.ca
Tanya Martin,
Indigenous Student and Family Advocate
tmartin@sd61.bc.ca
Blair Stevens,
District Métis Student and Family Advocate
Phone: 250-883-4179
bstevens@sd61.bc.ca

Disclaimer

Google Translate is used as a free tool to enhance the usability of the Greater ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵÎÛ School District website. As such, the Greater ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵÎÛ School Disctrict is not responsible for Google Translate™.