ǥilakas’la čɛčɛhaθɛč
We humbly acknowledge that SD71 (Comox Valley) and Indigenous Education operates on the traditional, Ancestral, unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. Further acknowledging and respecting the unique history, culture, and relationship with the land of the Pentlatch, E’ikʷsən, Sahtloot, and Sasitla peoples who have been here since time immemorial and who are still here.
Our Indigenous Education Department team consists of 40+ staff who work alongside school-based staff to enhance educational services, programs, and outcomes for 1800+ Indigenous students across our School District and throughout BC connected to our online school, North Island Distance Education School (NIDES). Indigenous students self identify as First Nation, Inuit, and/or Métis.
We strive to enhance services for Indigenous students as well as supporting teachers, administrators and support staff in deepening their understanding of Indigenous world views by embedding and centering these principles into the daily school experiences for all following the goals of our current Indigenous Education Enhancement Agreement;
Goal 1: Foster Indigenous students’ sense of belonging, cultural identity, and self-esteem.
Goal 2: Foster academic success of all Indigenous students.
Goal 3: Foster awareness of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit culture /teachings with all students.
Goal 4: Foster Indigenous students’ confidence in leadership.
This website is designed to let you know who we are in Indigenous Education, learn more about where we are, and how we strive to support Indigenous students and uphold Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.
ǥilakas’la čɛčɛhaθɛč ʔimot ƛ̓eekoo Thank you
Lelaina Jules- ƛ̓akʷapiqa, ḥiškʷiiʔaqsup (she/her)
District Principal of Indigenous Education
Honouring the Territory
We are honoured to live, learn, play and work on the unceded ancestral lands of the K’ómoks First Nation.
Acknowledging territory is a way of honouring and showing respect for the group of people now known as the K’ómoks First Nation who have been living and working on this land from time immemorial. Useful tips and explanation of difference between a welcome and an acknowledgement.
Traditional Territory Map
Language and History of the K’ómoks First Nation
“KFN today consists of several formerly separate tribes, both culturally K’ómoks and Pentlatch. The Sathloot (‘sath-loot), Sasitla (sa-‘seet-la), Ieeksen (eye-‘ick-sun) and Xa’xe (‘ha-hey) are all culturally K’ómoks and have their own unique origin stories.” (updated October 17, 2024)
Read more about culture, language, and history.
