Open Letter from Esk’etemc Regarding the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District Review of Climate and Culture – Response Plan - 2025

Calvin Dubray
Sep 10
2 min read

To: Cheryl Lenardon, Superintendent of Schools, School District # 27

School District # 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin) Board of Education

We write this letter with deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent release of the Safer Schools Review of Climate and Culture Response Plan by School District # 27. Despite repeated requests to be meaningfully included in the process, Esk’etemc and other Nations were not consulted or engaged in the development of this Response Plan - even though it directly affects our children, families, and communities.

This is not the first time we have asked to come to the table. And yet, once again, decisions are being made about us, without us.

The Response Plan claims to address systemic racism and improve school climate, yet it was developed in a way that perpetuates the very exclusion and disregard for Indigenous voices that it purports to resolve. This is not reconciliation. This is not partnership. This is not acceptable.

We remind School District # 27 and the Provincial Government that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action - particularly Calls # 10, # 11, # 12, # 62, and # 63 - require active, sustained, and respectful collaboration with Indigenous peoples in the transformation of education systems. Lip service is no longer enough. The time for performative gestures as demonstrated in this Response Plan has passed.

We are calling for immediate action.

A public acknowledgment from School District # 27 of the failure to collaborate with Indigenous Nations in the development of the Response Plan.
The immediate formation of a co-governed working group, with representation from Esk’etemc and other affected Nations, to lead the implementation and monitoring of the plan.
A commitment to Indigenous-led processes that embed our knowledge systems, languages, and leadership into all aspects of education in our territory.
Transparent communication and accountability mechanisms, including regular reporting to Indigenous communities and opportunities for course correction.

We do not take this step lightly. We are committed to working in good faith, but we will no longer accept being sidelined while our children continue to experience harm through racial violence, bullying, harassment, and discrimination. The longer this delay in relationship-building continues, the longer the real work of healing and transformation is postponed.

We are ready to do the work.

We ask: Is School District # 27? Is the Province?

We have gone through the Response Plan to 1) share what we believe is missing and 2) what we believe the Response Plan should state in the document below.

We look forward to your response—and more importantly, to your action.

In unity and responsibility,

Esk’etemc Chief and Council

Cc:

ʔaʔsiwɬ Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs

Hon. David Eby, Premier

Hon. Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care

Lorne Doerkson, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin

Members of the Media, Community Partners and the Public