SD42 Indigenous Education

Spring Break
2026-03-14 - 2026-03-29

Bannock and Books with Joseph Dandurand
2026-02-18 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Westview Secondary, 20905 Wicklund Avenue, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, V2x 0T8, Canada
The second SD42 Indigenous Education Bannock and Books is coming up!
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
3:30 to 4:30 pm.
Indigenous Education District Library @ Westview Secondary
Join us for an afternoon of connection, stories, and bannock! Central zone students and families are invited to a special event featuring guest author Joseph Dandurand from Kwantlen First Nation. Joseph will share his inspiring words through his many picture books such as The Bears and the Magic Masks. This engaging session will nurture creativity, well-being, and cultural appreciation. Space is limited to 30 students.
There is space for 30 students for Central Zone Elementary Schools Indigenous families (Yennadon/Eric Langley/ Glenwood/Golden Ears/Harry Hooge/Kanaka Creek/Laity View). Registration is required.
Register HERE.
Next Bannock and Books sessions:
East Zone Schools – March 10, 2026

Family Day
2026-02-16

Non-instructional Day
2026-02-13, 2026-01-27, 2025-05-14

FRIS Bringing Tradition Home Parenting Program
2026-01-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Fraser River Indigenous Sociery, 11830 223rd Street (2nd floor), Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 5Y1, Canada
The Fraser River Indigenous Society (FRIS) Bringing Tradition Home Parenting Program starts Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at the FRIS office (11830 223rd Street, Maple Ridge).
Class will run every Saturday morning from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Light breakfast snacks will be provided at 9:00 am; lunch will be served at 12:30. Participants are expected to commit to attending the full 8-week program to receive their certificate and attend the blanketed graduation ceremony.
The aim of the program is to support caregivers in developing:

An increased knowledge of traditional Indigenous parenting practices and the seven sacred teachings.
A better awareness of healthy child development stages.
The ability to use positive parenting practices confidently.
A stronger connection to parts of indigenous culture and heritage.
A new parenting toolkit that can support the well-being of your children and your family.
Access to positive relationships with other people in your community.

Register by email at accessadmin@frisociety.ca .

Teachings of the Land - Pitt Meadows Public Library
2026-01-22 17:30 - 19:30 | PItt Meadows Public Library, 200 12099 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC, V3Y 0E5
Teachings of the Land
January 22, 2026 – 5:30 pm
FVRL – Pitt Meadows Public Library
Join us for a gentle and reflective workshop exploring the ancestral teachings of the Katzie First Nation territory. Guided by Len Pierre, we will learn how the land shapes our relationships, responsibilities, and reconciliation. This session offers stories and insights inviting deep listening and meaningful connection. Open to all who wish to learn, grow, and walk respectfully with the land.
This is a catered event. Registration is Required.
Register at: https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/events/13769#registration_form

Len Pierre (he/him) – Owner & CEO of Len Pierre Consulting – Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation. Len is an award winning entrepreneur, professor, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, change agent, & traditional knowledge sharer. He specializes in the development of educational programs and services with decolonization and reconciliation as its core values. Len holds a Masters degree in Education from Simon Fraser University focusing on Indigenous curriculum and instructional design. His experience includes Indigenous education and program leadership from various organizations across colonial Canada. He comes to us with an open heart and open mind, and hopes to be received in the same way.

Bannock and Books with Author Sarah-Anne Tourand
2026-01-14 15:30 - 16:30 | Pitt Meadows Elementary Library, 11941 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, Canada
The first SD42 Indigenous Education Bannock and Books is coming up!
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
3:30 to 4:30 pm.
Pitt Meadows Elementary Library
The presenting author is Sarah-Anne Tourond who wrote You Are the Land and We Are Sacred. Sarah will read from one of her books, and will share her own yoga practice and artwork featuring burnt ash (wood).
There is space for 30 students for West Zone Elementary Schools Indigenous families (PME, EME, HPE,DJE, FVE, MRE, HHE). Register HERE.
Next Bannock and Books sessions:
Central Zone Schools – February, 2026
East Zone Schools – March 10, 2026

Schools reopen after winter break
2026-01-05

Winter break
2025-12-20 - 2026-01-04

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2025-09-30

School opens following summer holidays
2025-09-02

Indigenous Rookie League - Summer 2025
2025-07-01 - 2025-08-30
Register online now at: https://www.mnbc.ca/indigenous-rookie-league

School closes for summer holidays
2025-06-26

Last day of school for students
2025-06-25

UBC Summer Science Program Application Deadline - June 1, 2025
2025-06-01
Don’t miss this great summer opportunity! The UBC Summer Science Program is an Indigenous-led one-week cultural, health, and science program for Indigenous students entering grades 9-12 in the Fall (September 2025).
For details and dates, see the information poster below and go to the Summer Science Program Information webpage.
Applications are open! Apply online via the Qualtrics Online Form or via email/mail. Application deadline is June 1st, 2025.

Family Event - Stoodis: Getting Ready for National Indigenous Heritage Month
2025-05-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Maple Ridge Secondary School, 21911 – 122 Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 3X2, Canada
To SD42 Indigenous families,
Please join us for a fun filled evening to prepare for National Indigenous Heritage Month in June.
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Maple Ridge Secondary School (welcome table at the front door)
At the welcome table, families and participants will pick up a food voucher for one of the three food trucks listed below. Each truck will have water available. Enjoy a handheld meal during the evening’s event.

Tradish Bannock Food Truck
Dogfather Food Truck
Big Red’s Poutine Food Truck

The Indigenous Heritage Month Family Event will include dance/music/hands on activities. At the entrance family groups will receive one rotation and visit three different learning experiences from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. All door prizes will be done in the first half hour. One family take away bag will be ready at 7 p.m. for each family group.
We look forward to seeing families at our last family gathering for the school year 2024-2025. It was a busy and fun series filled with joy.
Register here: Registration for May 29 Family Event

Exhibition - Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist - Fort Langley National Historic Site
2025-05-28 - 2025-09-14 | Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23433 Mavis Ave, Langley Twp, British Columbia, V1M 2R5, Canada
Fort Langley National Historic Site is proud to present Chief Dan George – Actor and Activist, a powerful touring exhibition created by MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver, opening Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
This exhibit explores the extraordinary life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George (1899–1981)—longshoreman, actor, musician, lecturer, poet, activist, environmentalist, and passionate advocate for the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Born Geswanouth Slahoot and raised on the Burrard Indian Reserve #3, Chief Dan George was the son of hereditary chief George Sla-holt. He spent much of his early life working as a longshoreman and logger before rising to international fame in the 1960s and 70s as an actor, musician, and public speaker. Dan George appeared in many television, movie and stage productions in which he worked to promote a better understanding of First Nations people.
Chief Dan George’s words and actions still resonate strongly today. This exhibition connects the past to the present, telling the history of Chief Dan George and Indigenous rights. Through his story, visitors will also gain insight into key moments in the First Nations rights movement in British Columbia and across Canada.
Chief Dan George – Actor and Activist officially opens on the second floor of the Big House on May 28, 2025, and runs until September 14, 2025. Entry is included in general admission. Free admission for youths 17 and under.

Vancouver International Children's Festival - Indigenous Programming
2025-05-26 - 2025-06-01 | Granville Island, BC, Canada
Families can purchase tickets at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival website.

FRIS Online Workshop : Calming the Storm
2025-05-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Register with: eyassistant@frisociety.ca

Feast & Festivities - An Evening of Indigenous Food and Joy
2025-05-21 17:00 - 19:00
Please join Katzie First Nation and the Indigenous Education Department at SD#42 for an event taking place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 5 – 7 pm on the Katzie First Nation Territory. The evening will include food provided by Pipam catering, carnival games and an Indigenous Food scavenger hunt. There will be gifts bags for each family and amazing door prizes to be won. Most important, this is a time for families and the school community to come together and continue to build community.
Important Transportation Information: Due to parking limitations at Katzie First Nation, we have provided a bus service to families from either Pitt Meadows Secondary School or Thomas Haney Secondary School. Buses will leave from either location at 4:15 pm and bring you to Katzie First Nation. Buses will leave the venue at 7:00 pm.
Unfortunately at this event we will be unable to accommodate food allergies. If you require dietary adaptation, we recommend bringing your own dish.
You must register to attend this event. Registration is limited to 160 guests, so please register early. Use the QR code in the Feast & Festivities Event Flyer or use the registration link below:
Register at: Feasts & Festivities – An Evening of Indigenous Food & Joy

Victoria Day - Holiday
2025-05-19

Fraser River Indigenous Society - Story Blanket Spring Season
2025-05-13 - 2025-06-19
For more details, go to the FRIS Story Blanket webpage.

UVic Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards for Indigenous Students Application Deadline
2025-04-30
UVic Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards for Indigenous Students
UVic offers a large number of bursaries and entrance scholarships that are open to First Nations status/non-status, Inuit or Métis students.
Application Deadline for Entrance Scholarships: Opens February 15 – Closes April 30
Application Deadline for Bursaries: Varies
Go to the UVic Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards for Indigenous Students page.

BC Lions Indigenous Youth Flag Football
2025-04-22 15:30 - 17:30, 2025-04-15 15:30 - 17:00
I·SPARC and the BC Lions are pleased to announce an Indigenous Youth Flag Football Program for the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Regions. This free program will feature coaching by BC Lions Players, weekly practices, a fun tournament and BBQ, a Life Skills Workshop and a VIP BC Lions Game Day experience.
The details for SD42 Indigenous students are as follows:
Practice Dates
Monday, April 7, 2025 (3:30 – 5:00pm)
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 (3:30 – 5:00pm)
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (3:30 – 5:00pm)
Location: Terry Fox Secondary School field, 1260 Riverwood Gate, Port Coquitlam, BC
Life Skills & Team Building Event
Saturday, April 26, 2025 (10:00am – 4:00pm)
Location: Loon Lake Lodge, 14500 Silver Valley Rd, Maple Ridge, BC
Tournament and BBQ
Saturday, May 3, 2025 (10:00am – 2:00pm)
Registration
Register at: https://isparcbc.wufoo.com/forms/m1e9493n0ms4spv/

Easter Monday - Holiday
2025-04-21

Indigenous Artist Call Out - National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 - Submission Deadline
2025-04-21
Fraser River Indigenous Society – National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025
Indigenous Artist Call Out
See poster below for details!

Submissions due April 21, 2025.
Email submissions to: info@frisociety.ca

Good Friday - Holiday
2025-04-18
