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Honouring Allies and Leads

| Categories: Events & Celebrations, Indigenous, Events & Celebrations, Indigenous
Left to right: Indigenous Education Consultant Brandon Peters, award recipients Lori York, Damien Wilmann, Liz Krieg, Jill Baird, Jody Langlois, and Acting Director of Instruction for Indigenous Education Chas Desjarlais

The inaugural Peter Henderson Bryce Ally awards were held on May 24, 2023, in the Magee Secondary auditoriumThe VSB Indigenous education team held the event to honour staff in the District as well as others who work alongside District staff to advance Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation in schools as allies.  

 

Dr. Henderson Bryce was a Canadian doctor and a leader in the field of public health at the turn of the 20th century. He documented health of children in residential schools and was fired from his position for reporting on the deaths of Indigenous children. Author and advocate, today, 100 years after his career as a doctor, he is most recognized for his persistence in advocating for better health conditions for Indigenous children living in Indian Residential Schools. His legacy is a critical part of Canadian history and demonstrates the importance of speaking out for what is right and just. In bestowing awards to allies of today, the Indigenous education department recognizes the same courage and tenacity of Dr. Henderson Bryce in the allies of today.  

 

“We raise our hands in respect and continued gratitude for their efforts,” said Chas Desjarlais, acting director of instruction, Indigenous education department. “We are proud of the allies. They understand the ethical and moral imperative of doing this work. They understand what it takes to be in good relations with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.”  

 

In his example, six people were honoured by the Indigenous education team for their steadfast commitment to reconciliation and deepening relations with Indigenous people:  

 

Jody Langlois, associate superintendent 

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Krieg, Indigenous Education teacherVancouver Technical Secondary 

Damien Wilmann, principal, Lord Byng 

Lori York, district resource teacherLord Byng  

Sohan Dulai Indigenous Education teacher, Vancouver Technical Secondary 

Dr. Jill Baird, curator, Museum of Anthropology 

 

The ceremony honouring these allies was a beautiful affair, acknowledging people who use their privilege to walk ahead when necessary, walk along side and walk behind in supporting Indigenous peoples, as together we further our reconciliation journey.  

 

Central to the event were moving student performances by the Lord Byng and Magee choirs and deeply touching tributes to the work and impacts each of the allies honoured has made in their own unique way. In recognition of their contributions, commitments and impacts, award recipients were blanketed with a beautiful reconciliation blanket designed by Musqueam weaver, Debra Sparrow.  

 

Jody Langlois 

Honoured as an amazing ally whose long career in education in Alberta and BC school districts in West Vancouver and Sea-to-Sky as well as the VSB has transformed teaching and learning for so many, particularly her work supporting diverse and Indigenous learners. She is known for building relations and maintaining good relations.  

 

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Kreig  

Described as an amazing person, Liz is also “full of fire” and known for her work to bring Indigenous education into the classrooms for all students. Students, it is said of her, are lucky to have Liz as an auntie.  

 

Damien Wilmann  

Described as one of the most empathetic and kind people, he was honoured for bringing an insidious kindness and desire to change the ethos of his school.  

 

Lori York 

Recognized her as an ally who is creative, generous and kind. Lori, alongside fellow honouree Liz, inspires educators to embed Indigenous perspective in all areas of learning. Her work to develop a Camosun bog plant-walk booklet is just one example of her sharing her gifts and knowledge with students and the broader community.  

 

Sohan Dulai 

Honoured for his understanding of fostering safe places for all. Described during the event as a beautiful human being, he also faced racism and discrimination himself and works to prevent this as well as promote healing for others.  

 

Dr. Jill Baird 

Honoured for her work to help create a teaching kit based on Musqueam language and culture. She is also the co-organizer of the First Peoples Festival. Her efforts to create safe learning spaces for staff of the Indigenous education department is also integral to her allyship.  

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