Indigenous Education Workers Strengthen Practice Through New Learning Series

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Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration

Indigenous Education Workers from across the Kamloops-Thompson School District gathered on January 9, 2026, at the Henry Grube Education Centre to celebrate an important milestone—the completion of the District’s very first Foundations of Indigenous Education Workers Learning Series.

Since September, 22 Indigenous Education Workers (IEWs) have been participating in the Learning Series to deepen their understanding of Indigenous education, cultural safety, and their responsibilities within school systems and Indigenous communities. This new learning series was created to help ground IEWs in their purpose, strengthen their practice, and honour the essential role they play in supporting Indigenous students, families, and school communities.

Participants explored how Indigenous Education Workers support students as they navigate complex systems, and how their roles contribute to transforming schools into more respectful, inclusive, and culturally grounded spaces. Through discussions on communication, conflict, collaboration, and courageous conversations, IEWs built skills that support strong relationships with students, families, educators, and communities.

Throughout the series, participants learned with and from one another, reflecting Indigenous ways of teaching and learning—through shared stories, lived experiences, and collective reflection.

On January 9, the learning series participants gathered to celebrate and honour this important learning. The celebration started with the Honour Song, led by Peter Michel, Knowledge Keeper Jackie Jules, and IEW Allenda Adolph, followed by a prayer shared by Jackie Jules.

Indigenous Education Council Chair Diane Anthony shared congratulations and reflected on the significance of the program:

“As part of my responsibility as the IEC Chair, I want to be involved in celebrations like this. I want to hear what it is that you want to learn, what are some of your challenges, and how we can improve your work and training. This program is being looked at province-wide because other districts want to do something similar—we’re at the forefront. On behalf of the Indigenous Education Council, I want to say, congratulations and keep on going.”

District Vice Principal of Indigenous Education Mike Faisthuber also shared remarks, acknowledging both the significance of this accomplishment and the courage of being part of the first cohort and learning together.

“Being the first is never a small thing—it requires courage, openness, and a willingness to step into something new for the benefit of those who come after,” shared Mike Faisthuber. “Each of us came into this learning series carrying our own lived teachings, experiences, languages, nations, and responsibilities. Together, we form a learning community that reflects the diversity of Indigenous people, representing many cultures and communities from across Canada. That diversity mirrors the Indigenous student population of SD73 and is one of our greatest assets when it comes to supporting students. What makes this moment especially meaningful, that this learning did not happen in isolation. It happened through shared stories, laughter, vulnerability, controlled breath, and, at times, some frustration. Your completion of the series strengthens not only your own practice, but the practice of the entire district. It strengthens our schools, our relationships with families and communities, and most importantly, it strengthens a sense of belonging. Thank you for your commitment and leadership. Congratulations on this important milestone, and may the learning you have begun here, continue to grow and support generations to come.”

The Foundations of Indigenous Education Workers Learning Series aligns closely with the District’s Strategic Plan values and priorities, particularly the priority of Cultural and Identity Development, which commits to ensuring every learner feels safe, valued, and able to thrive personally and culturally.

Congratulations to all the participants in this year’s Foundations of Indigenous Education Workers Learning Series.