Williams Lake Chief to Keynote Indigenous Day of Learning

Chief Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation will deliver a keynote address to staff of School District 57 on September 29, 2025, as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events. This gathering aims to foster understanding and reflection on Indigenous issues within the educational community.

The Indigenous Day of Learning will occur at Prince George Secondary School from 08:30 to 15:30. The event is scheduled for a non-instructional day to allow maximum participation, coinciding with the statutory holiday on September 30. This year’s theme, referred to as “Lhulh’uts’ut’en,” translates to “working together” in the Dakelh language, emphasizing collaboration among staff and Indigenous communities.

The day’s agenda begins with a welcoming ceremony at 08:45, followed by Chief Sellars’ keynote address from 09:00 to 10:00. After a brief break, breakout sessions will run from 10:15 to 11:30, offering staff opportunities to engage with various topics related to Indigenous education. Participants are encouraged to bring funds for on-site food vendors during the lunch break from 11:30 to 12:30.

In the afternoon, from 12:30 to 13:30, Andrew Stobo Sniderman, co-author of “Valley of the Birdtail,” will present another keynote address. The book chronicles the experiences of the Waywayseecappo First Nation and the nearby settler town of Rossburn in southwestern Manitoba, providing valuable insights into Indigenous perspectives.

Following Sniderman’s address, participants will resume breakout sessions from 13:45 to 15:00, concluding with cultural closing ceremonies from 15:00 to 15:30. Pam Spooner, Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education, expressed hopes that over 1,000 district staff members will attend, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing Indigenous education across the district.

Currently, the district serves approximately 15,000 students, with around 4,000 identifying as Indigenous, making up more than 30 percent of the student population. Spooner also noted that there is a need for about ten additional community volunteers to facilitate workshops during the event, highlighting the importance of community involvement in educational initiatives.

This Indigenous Day of Learning represents a significant step toward reconciliation and understanding within the school community, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration among educators and Indigenous peoples.