About Nak'al Bun School
HISTORY OF NAK’AL BUN SCHOOL
The Nak’azdli Band has 720 on-reserve members and is situated next to the town of Fort St. James in north central British Columbia.
In 1994, the Nak’azdli Band purchased a nearby school from the Catholic Diocese of Prince George and established the Nak’al Bun Elementary School. The surrounding land was added to the Nak’azdli Whuten’s reserves through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s (AANDC) Additions to Reserve process in 2010.
Thanks to the hard work and partnership between the First Nation and the Government of Canada, in 2011 Nak’al Bun began construction of a new school facility with the pouring of foundations and installation of a geothermal heating system. The new school was completed in 2013 and has many modern features including a dedicated cultural room and an industrial kitchen. Further Investments also modernized the facility through sustainable technology such as geothermal heating and a natural air exchange to ventilate the school.
Nak’al Bun Elementary School (K4-7) is a certified independent school operated by the Nak’azdli Whuten.
“The new school has finally become a reality for our community. I really would like to thank all the people that were involved for investing their valuable time to make this possible. Thank you to the Government for their contribution and the staff that were involved in this project. We are so grateful. Nak’al Bun Elementary School will be a legacy of our past as this area used to be a gathering place for many First Nations people. The future of our Nation lies with the education of our children; it is important that we have the modern facilities to last for generations to follow.”
– Chief Fred Sam, Nak’azdli Whuten Council
SCHOOL MISSION & GOALS
Nak’al Bun Elementary School has a strong tradition of student learning and achievement. With the support of students, staff, parents, and the community, we will continue to build on previous successes and ensure that students, when finished here, will be prepared to enter and graduate high school with a Dogwood Certificate.
MISSION STATEMENT
Honouring Dakelh teachings, we inspire each individual child to realize their unique potential in a safe and encouraging environment.
VISION STATEMENT
Confident in their identity, supported by community and Dakelh traditions, our students are empowered and successful.
VALUES
In everything we do, we:
- respect ourselves, others, and the environment
- create a sense of belonging by making connections and building positive relationships
- act with compassion and take care of each other
- hold the highest standards
- celebrate diversity
- collaborate
- demonstrate pride in ourselves and our school
- have some fun
SCHOOL GOALS AND STRATEGIES
- By June 2023, all curriculum taught at Nak’al Bun Elementary School will include a minimum of 50% indigenous and local content. Strategies are:
- Research based practices and curriculum that are consistent throughout the school.
- Professional Development and mentorship opportunities for teachers.
- Support from Kirsten Baker-Williams, Director of First Nations Language and Culture.
- A Strategic Plan to be developed and led by inherent rights holders
- Programming will be relevant to the Nak’azdli Whuten Nation
- Nak’al Bun Elementary School students will have greater access to updated technology, and will learn the skills associated to use the technology effectively and appropriately. Strategies are:
- Professional Development and mentorship opportunities for teachers.
- Purchase of updated laptops and iPad.
- Research of best practice in Computer Technology
- Nak’al Bun Elementary School will research Social Studies programs with strong indigenous cultural components, and implement a new program that is the 2016 BC curriculum with cultural links from K-7, by June 2022. Strategies are:
- Create a team of staff members to meet, and set out a plan to research possible programs, collect samples and choose a new program.
TO ACCOMPLISH OUR GOALS THE SCHOOL WILL:
- Set and maintain high standards of achievement in all program areas;
- Provide a strong program of Carrier Language and Culture, as well as integrating worldwide Indigenous teachings throughout the curriculum;
- Recognize individual needs and attempt to meet these needs;
- Provide programs as prescribed by the Ministry of Education;
- Provide exposure to a variety of skills and interest in both the Provincial Ministry of Education’s curriculum and First Nations’ Studies;
- Value the development of students’ self-respect, and their respect for others;
OUR STAFF
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