This story is part of a series where staff participated in Indigenous Focus Day on April 20, 2026. Indigenous Focus Day is a District-wide professional development day dedicated to deepening educators’ understanding of Indigenous perspectives, histories and ways of knowing.

 Approximately 360 secondary educators gathered at Lord Byng Secondary for this year’s Indigenous Focus Day. Aligned with the day’s theme of emergence, staff attended two workshops before gathering for keynote speech by Carolyn Roberts, and a group reflection. 

Workshop one: The Water Walker 

“The Water Walker,” facilitated by Kamey Munsamy, took participants through the ongoing advocacy of Autumn Peltier. Peltier, an Anishinaabe Indigenous rights advocate, is widely known for her commitment to clean water. 

After watching a documentary film, the group discussed the human connection to water. Conversation soon shifted from how humans depend on water, to how we are water. Without it, humans do not exist. 

Munsamy explained how this connection supports learning. It can inspire students to engage with global issues. 

“These are the types of issues that we can look at with our students,” says Munsamy. “When we look at issues like environmental racism, where are the sewage pipelines today? We’re still dealing with the aftereffects of people whose voices matter not being included at decision-making tables.” 

She adds that the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action highlight a collective responsibility to take meaningful action. 

“It is not simply Indigenous Peoples who carry the load. It is all of us,” she says. 

Workshop two: What is Environmental Learning? 

“What is Environmental Learning?” facilitated by Nick Townley and Alisa Paul, focused on the merits of outdoor education. The session looked at the impact Indigenous knowledge can have on learning and taking action to protect the environment. 

“Climate change is upon us. It is imperative that, as educators, we share the call to action with students so we can make our world a better place,” says Paul. “One way to ensure authentic Indigenous knowledge is represented is to include resources developed by Indigenous authors, illustrators, educators, knowledge keepers and wisdom holders. There’s a responsibility to understand where knowledge comes from.” 

Keynote speaker: Carolyn Roberts 

Carolyn Roberts is a distinguished St’at’imc and Stó:lō author, educator, speaker and storyteller. With more than 25 years working in education, she has worked as a music teacher, Indigenous Education support worker, vice-principal and principal. 

Roberts is currently an Indigenous academic and faculty lecturer, working in the teacher education department of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her work is rooted in teaching about Indigenous histories, education and ancestral ways of knowing. It is also rooted in decolonizing the education system. 

During her presentation, Roberts’ message emphasized the idea of circular learning. She shared her own journey through the education system. As a child, she explained, she was singled out for her reading ability. As an adult, she returned to the education system. She now provides resources and learning opportunities for educators. These resources help support more culturally responsive and equitable learning environments. 

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The day’s sessions at Lord Byng Secondary highlighted the significance of listening, learning and taking action. Attendees ended the day where it started: together. They shared what they learned, what they plan to bring into the classroom and how they will use that knowledge to better support students.