School District 47 (SD47) has written to Tla’amin Nation to provide an update on previous correspondence regarding the name change for Powell River Board of Education.
In her correspondence, SD47 chairperson Dale Lawson stated that she was writing to confirm that the process to undertake this important work is now beginning and to also seek the nation’s engagement in the effort.
“While we have not yet confirmed the scale or scope of broader stakeholder engagement, we know for sure that we would like to work with Tla’amin as a first and crucial step in this process to help determine some naming options,” stated Lawson. “Our objective is to rename the board of education in a way that is reflective of both the cultural diversity and geographic area of our district. The change will also be another way for the district to reaffirm its commitment to advancing the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples, and specifically, our relationship with Tla’amin Nation.”
At the board of education meeting on January 18, Lawson said she expects to see a lot of excitement around the renaming, and she’s proud of the school district for the decision made to move forward with the conversation.
