Press Release: Esk’etemc and Concerned Parents Group Launch Website and Video Amplifying the Call for an Investigation into Racial Violence and Bullying in School District #27

Williams Lake, B.C. – Esk'etemc and the Concerned Parents and Caregivers of Williams Lake (CPWL) collectively announced a new website and accompanying video aimed at raising awareness and gathering support for their urgent call for an investigation into racial violence, discrimination, bullying, and harassment within School District 27.

The launch comes just one month following a peaceful rally in Williams Lake where families, parents, grandparents, community members, and Indigenous leaders gathered to speak out and stand up in protest outside School District 27 offices and demand that the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC) conduct a fulsome and independent investigation into their concerns.

“We have been calling for action for years, collecting story after story - all heartbreaking stories - from children, youth, and even support workers, specific to the racial violence and bullying they have suffered,” shared Calvin Dubray, Education Director for Esk’etemc. “Through our speaking out, we were contacted by members of the Concerned Parents and Caregivers of Williams Lake group who have children and youth enduring the same lack of safety and support at school. When we met, we shared so much in common that we decided to work together to bring about change through the collective call for an investigation.”

April 1, 2025 "Racial Violence and Bullying is No Joke" rally.

 The group has developed a website www.standuptogether.ca which shares a common vision for every person in School District 27 to be in an environment where they feel safe, supported and have a sense of belonging. In addition, a video called “Bullying and Racial Violence are No Joke,” highlights the concerns of parents, grandparents, and community leaders have for the MECC to start to address the very serious challenges and circumstances within School District 27, without delay.

“We are tired of being ignored and every day that goes by, we hear more and more stories of children and youth throughout the region who fear going to school," expressed Esk’etemc Kukpi7, Fred Robbins. “This website will be yet another public call to action, while also inviting others to stand up, speak out, and join us in this effort. We will not stop until an investigation is launched.”

The new online resource serves as a central hub for information and support for families who are struggling, providing all community members the opportunity to get involved including:

·         A link to an online petition

·         A link to a Facebook Group

·         A downloadable form letter to write to Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care

“We are so thrilled to partner with Esk’etemc,” shared Melissa Coates, a parent with the CPWL group. “Prior to the rally, we had about 260 people on our Facebook group, and now we’re closing in on 400 family members who are expressing the fear their kids, grandchildren, or siblings have going to school. This website and video will serve as critical tools to inform and support parents, students and community members, as well as help show the Ministry of Education and Child Care how serious we are for an investigation to occur so that all students and staff in School District 27 can attend school free from fear of racial violence, discrimination, bullying, and harassment.”

The video can be viewed at: www.bit.ly/standupvideo