Indigenous Education
At ASCEND, Indigenous Education is about creating opportunities for students and families to learn, connect, and grow through Indigenous knowledge, culture, stories, language, and relationships with the land. Our goal is to create a culturally safe and inclusive school community where Indigenous students feel connected, supported, represented, and empowered to succeed.
Our approach
Supporting the whole student
We recognize that student success includes more than academics.
Our Indigenous Support model considers the academic, emotional, cultural, spiritual, social, and community well-being of each student. This includes individualized support, advocacy, wellness resources, referrals, and connections to community supports.
What this looks like
Learning, belonging and connection
For students
Students will have opportunities to participate in cultural activities, sharing circles, storytelling, land-based learning, leadership opportunities, and learning with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, and community members. Students will also have access to Indigenous resources and support when they need it.
For families
Families are an important part of this work. We will build relationships through family outreach, sharing circles, open office opportunities, resources, and connections to community supports. Our quarterly newsletter, Walking the Wheel, will share seasonal teachings, resources, upcoming opportunities, and ways families can connect with Indigenous learning at ASCEND.
As we grow
As the program grows, we will continue building relationships with Indigenous communities, Nations, organizations, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers across B.C. We will also support students as they explore post-secondary education, careers, trades, scholarships, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
As a Catholic school, ASCEND is committed to creating respectful dialogue between Indigenous ways of knowing and Catholic teachings. This includes making space for Indigenous voices, learning about reconciliation, and recognizing shared values such as relationship, community, service, dignity, stewardship, and care for creation.
Our hope is that Indigenous Education becomes part of the everyday experience at ASCEND, creating greater connection, belonging, culture, learning, wellness, and reconciliation.
“Most importantly, we want Indigenous students and families to know that they belong here.”
Programs & gatherings
Ways to connect, all year long
Programs are offered online for students, caregivers and staff. Reach out to our team to learn more or to join.
Elementary
Kindergarten to Grade 7
Page Chasers
K–3 · Storytime with a free book draw
Monthly
Page Turners
Grades 4–7 · Novel study with a free book
Monthly
Cinema Stories
K–7 · Knowledge sharing through film
Monthly
High school
Grade 8 and up
Sweetgrass Sharing Circle
For Indigenous students
Quarterly
Leadership Team
Indigenous-led youth initiatives · by invitation
Monthly
Career & Post-Secondary Pathways Event
Explore careers, trades and post-secondary options
Annual
Everyone
Students, families and staff
Open Office
Drop in and connect with our team
Monthly
Teaching Events
Sharing culture and fellowship with families · two virtual, one in person
3 per year
Reconciliation Initiative
2026–27: developing our school land acknowledgement together
Annual
Cultural Day Awareness
Recognizing important cultural and special days
Ongoing
Caregivers & staff
Circles and community partnership
Cedar Sharing Circle
For Indigenous caregivers
Quarterly
Sage Sharing Circle
For staff
Quarterly
Indigenous Cultural Advisory Council
Community partners · Year one: building relationships
Ongoing
Important dates
A year of cultural and faith days
The days we recognize and celebrate together through the school year, from Truth and Reconciliation Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day.
September
2nd Sun
Grandparents Day
Honouring the importance of Elders
Sep 13
RCAV 2nd Collection for Healing and Reconciliation
Sep 30
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
October
All month
Indigenous Culture Month
UBC
Oct 4
Sisters in Spirit
Oct 21
Take Me Outside Day
November
Nov 7
Inuit Day
Nov 8
Indigenous Veterans Day
Nov 15
Rock Your Mocs Day
Nov 16
Louis Riel Day
In B.C.
December
Dec 9
St. Juan Diego
Patron of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas
Dec 12
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day
Dec 12
National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
January
Jan 1
Ochetookeskaw
Hand Shaking Day (Métis)
Jan 4
National Ribbon Skirt Day
February
Feb 14
Have a Heart Day
Feb 21
International Mother Language Day
March
Mar 16
St. John de Brébeuf
Missionary to the Huron people, patron saint of Canada
Mar 19
St. Joseph
Patron saint of Canada
Mar 22
World Water Day
Mar 31
National Indigenous Languages Day
April
Apr 17
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Feast Day
Apr 22
Earth Day
May
May 5
National Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Red Dress Day
May 16
Moose Hide Campaign Day
May 24–31
Laudato Si’ Week
June
All month
National Indigenous History Month
Jun 11
National Day of Reconciliation
Jun 21
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Jun 24
St. Jean-Baptiste Day
July
Jul 9–11
Rose Prince Pilgrimage
Jul 26
Feast of Sts. Anne & Joachim
Jesus’ grandparents, honouring Elders
Jul 31
National Bannock Day
August
Aug 9
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Aug 15
National Acadian Day & Feast of the Assumption
Aug 23
St. Rose of Lima
Patron of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas and the Philippines
Strategic plan 2026/27
In the spirit of love and a shared commitment to reconciliation, our Indigenous Education department strives to serve as a bridge of healing and learning by cultivating a holistic, inclusive online education environment that celebrates cultural identity, builds authentic relationships, offers accessible resources, and nurtures the academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every learner, providing them with various pathways to success.
Our goals
Ten goals guiding our work in 2026/27
01
Indigenous Education student success
Support students academically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and culturally while reducing barriers in an online learning environment.
06
Accessible learning & resource development
Create accessible Indigenous learning resources for students, families, and staff.
02
Student & family relationship building
Build trusting and respectful relationships with Indigenous students, caregivers, and families across British Columbia.
07
Adult learning & post-secondary pathways
Support Indigenous youth and adults in exploring future pathways while maintaining educational success.
03
Cultural connection, identity & reconciliation
Support Indigenous identity, belonging, cultural learning, and reconciliation through meaningful programming and relationships.
08
Staff education & curriculum
Support teachers and staff in integrating Indigenous perspectives respectfully and meaningfully.
04
Community partnership & advocacy
Develop authentic and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and support agencies.
09
Catholic faith & reconciliation commitment
Encourage respectful dialogue and shared values between Catholic teachings and Indigenous ways of knowing while supporting Truth and Reconciliation.
05
Indigenous student resources & programs
Develop a holistic wellness model recognizing that Indigenous student success includes emotional, cultural, spiritual, academic, and community well-being.
10
Maintaining Indigenous support programs
Sustain and strengthen our Indigenous support programs so students and families can count on them year after year.
First Peoples Principles of Learning
How we learn
Our work is guided by the First Peoples Principles of Learning, developed by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC).
1
Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.
2
Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).
3
Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions.
4
Learning involves generational roles and responsibilities.
5
Learning recognizes the role of Indigenous knowledge.
6
Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.
7
Learning involves patience and time.
8
Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.
9
Learning involves recognizing that some knowledge is sacred and only shared with permission and/or in certain situations.
For First Nations families
Jordan’s Principle
Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle that helps First Nations children get the health, mental health, educational, cultural, and social supports they need, such as therapies, medical equipment, school assistance, respite care, and land-based or cultural programming, without delays caused by disputes between governments or agencies.
Families submit the documentation, with help from a case manager. Our Indigenous Support Workers can help you prepare and submit a request.
24/7 line
BC contact
Resources
Support & referral directory
Free and confidential supports for Indigenous students, families and caregivers across B.C. Not sure where to start? Our Indigenous Support team can help connect you.
Need help right now?
These lines are free, confidential and open 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988
Anywhere in Canada
KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line
1-800-588-8717
Culturally safe support in B.C.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
1-855-242-3310
For all Indigenous people in Canada
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868
Or text CONNECT to 686868
BC Mental Health Support Line
310-6789
No area code needed
HealthLink BC
8-1-1
Health advice from a nurse
Youth Wellness & Counselling
Counselling, wellness and health services for youth and families.
Foundry BC
Mental health, substance use, medical care, peer, family, and employment and education support for youth ages 12–24.
Foundry Virtual BC
Virtual counselling and wellness services, Indigenous wellness supports, and online groups and peer support.
Kelty Mental Health
Mental health information and navigation support for youth and families.
Child & Youth Mental Health (CYMH)
Free community mental health services across B.C.
Circle of Eagles Lodge Society
Counselling and other support services.
Helping Spirit Lodge Society
Programs, resources and counselling services.
Vancouver Coastal Health – Indigenous Health
Resources and culturally safe health programs and support.
Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society
Medical, counselling and social services support.
Warriors Against Violence Society
Counselling and justice services.
Community Organizations
Province-wide Indigenous organizations and networks.
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
Mental wellness programs, youth wellness initiatives, cultural safety supports and community health programs.
Métis Nation British Columbia
Youth and family programs, cultural resources, wellness and support services, and community connection.
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
Youth programming, cultural activities, family support, Elders and cultural connections, and leadership and wellness initiatives.
Education, Post-Secondary & Careers
Indigenous-focused learning, post-secondary and career pathways.
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT)
Indigenous-led post-secondary institution with culturally grounded education and student support services.
Native Education College
Indigenous-focused upgrading and education programs, with youth and adult learner supports.
BCIT Indigenous Services
Cultural safety supports, advising, peer support and academic assistance for Indigenous learners.
Camosun College
Accredited credentials and university pathways grounded in the SENĆOŦEN language and W̱SÁNEĆ ways of knowing.
UBC First Nations House of Learning
Programming, resources and events that make UBC more accessible and inclusive for Indigenous students.
ACCESS – Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society
Training opportunities, trades connections, job postings, resume support and skill development.
Culture, Language & Youth Leadership
Language, culture, books and leadership opportunities for youth.
Child and Youth Connections Program
Supports Indigenous children and youth in care with cultural connection, life skills, transition planning and family reunification.
Our Children Our Way Society
Indigenous-led child and family wellness organization supporting culturally rooted child welfare and self-determination.
FirstVoices
Indigenous language revitalization platform with learning tools, recordings and youth-friendly resources.
Gathering Our Voices
Province-wide Indigenous youth conference for leadership, cultural learning, wellness and education.
IndigenEYEZ
Indigenous youth empowerment: leadership, healing, identity and decolonization workshops, including half-day sessions.
Indigenous Youth Roots
Empowering and connecting Indigenous youth as leaders in vibrant, thriving communities.
GoodMinds
First Nations, Métis and Inuit books.
Indigenous Reflections
Materials created with First Nations across Canada that promote traditional values and ways of life.
Orca Book Publishers – Indigenous books
Books by and about Indigenous Peoples for young readers.
Family, Housing & Social Services
Practical help for families, caregivers and young people.
HealthLink BC
Health and mental health information and community service navigation.
811
211 British Columbia
Housing resources, food programs, counselling and community supports.
211
FamilySmart
Peer support for families and caregivers navigating youth mental health systems.
BC Council for Families
Parenting education, family support resources, workshops and community programs.
Covenant House Vancouver
Youth housing and outreach, meals and basic needs, and mental health and addictions support.
YMCA BC – Youth Support
Youth leadership programs, employment support, recreation and family wellness services.
Carrier Sekani Family Services
Indigenous-led wellness, prenatal, youth and family services throughout northern B.C.
Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George
Affordable housing and housing support for Indigenous individuals and families in Prince George.
250-564-9794
Internet Safety
Guides and tools to help kids, teens and families stay safe online.
Cybertip.ca
Canada’s tipline and resource hub for parents on online child safety.
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Online safety resources and research for families.
Protect Kids Online
Internet safety resources and a newsletter for parents and caregivers.
Zoe and Molly Online
Comics, games and information about online safety for kids.
Need Help Now
Help for teens and adults dealing with the sharing of sexual images online.
The White Hatter
Digital literacy education, resources and advocacy for parents and caregivers.
Child Safe Canada – Internet Safety Course
Online internet safety course for youth ages 8–13.
KidsHealth – Internet Safety
Internet safety guidance for kids and teens.
I Can Be Safe Online
A tool to help people learn to stay safe online while having fun with friends.
NetSmartz
Classroom activities and programming for youth groups and elementary students.
Justice & Victim Services
Legal support, advocacy and survivor services.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS)
Crisis counselling, cultural support and emotional wellness resources for survivors and families.
Toll-free 1-800-721-0066
BC First Nations Justice Council
Indigenous Justice Centres, legal supports, Gladue services and advocacy across B.C.
Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC
Culturally sensitive services and programs for Indigenous people, including court support.
Justice Education Society
Indigenous programs, justice support and resources.
Department of Justice Canada
Federal justice information and services.
Coming soon
Walking the Wheel
Our Indigenous Families Quarterly Newsletter will share seasonal teachings, resources, upcoming opportunities, and ways families can connect with Indigenous learning at ASCEND. Look for the first issue this fall.
Get involved
How you can help
Student participation
Encourage students to connect with us and take part in the programs on offer.
Connect with us
Reach out with your requests, questions, and feedback so we can better support you and the school.
Reconciliation Initiative
As a community, help develop and put into practice a land acknowledgement for our school.
Leadership Team
Nominate high school youth for this Indigenous-led, student-driven program.
Advisory Council
Recommend potential community partners, and consider your own involvement.
Pray for us
Keep our school community — students, families, and colleagues — in your prayers.
Our team
Here to walk alongside you
Reach out any time. We’re happy to help with questions, referrals, Jordan’s Principle requests, or simply to connect.
Solange Legal is a Catholic Métis (Cree, French, Ojibwe) mother of five, professional music artist, teacher, writer, and speaker. She served on the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund’s local Healing and Reconciliation Grant Committee in the Archdiocese of Vancouver from its inception in 2022 until its completion in 2026, began working for the Archdiocese of Vancouver on Indigenous Reconciliation in 2023, and consults privately for schools and organizations throughout British Columbia.
Through all her work, Solange seeks to create spaces of connection, faith, healing, and hope.
AW
Taanishi (hello in Métis)! I’m Alex Watt, a Métis mother of three based in Prince George, and I’m honoured to support students and families through Indigenous Support at ASCEND.
My background is in social work, Indigenous Education, and Inclusive Education, and I have also worked as a doula and childbirth educator. I spent the last four years in the public school system as a Youth Care Worker and Indigenous Education worker. My family moved to ASCEND to better support my child, and I had the opportunity to follow.
Land acknowledgement