Equity in Action
Equity in Action: Equity Labs
Indigenous Learning in 黄色视频 has used social innovation and Equity Labs to engage urban Indigenous parents and guardians, including Métis Nation BC and the Fraser Region Friendship Centre Association, in co-developing recommended educational practices that create learning environments that are culturally safe, supportive and welcoming for Indigenous learners.
Enhancement Agreement goals remain important:
- Increase positive identity and sense of belonging for all Aboriginal learners.
- Increase knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history, traditions and cultures for all learners.
- Increase achievement for Aboriginal learners.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn more about Enhancement Agreements.
Engaging First Nations and Indigenous peoples
Engagement with First Nations Rightsholders occurs through Local Education Agreements and the Indigenous Education Leadership Council and Rightsholders meetings with the Surrey Board of School Trustees. These are in line with distinctions-based approach to engaging and relating to First Nations, Métis and Inuit societies, organizations and individuals wherein, relationships based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership must reflect the unique interests, priorities, and circumstances of each people. See more about Distinctions Based Approach here.
Equity in Action and Equity Labs
Social innovation involves developing new ideas, strategies, or models that address pressing social challenges in more effective, sustainable, and inclusive ways. It emerges from collaboration across sectors—government, academia, business, and civil society—and seeks to improve well-being, equity, and resilience within communities. Social labs are dynamic spaces—both physical and conceptual—where diverse stakeholders come together to experiment with solutions to complex social issues. Unlike traditional approaches, social labs embrace systems thinking, iterative design, and participatory methods, allowing for adaptive learning and long-term impact. Together, social innovation and social labs represent a transformative approach to creating meaningful change in society.
Since 2020, we have held three Equity Labs.
Equity labs and scans
Equity Lab Recommendations November 2022-23
Indigenous education:
Policy and governance
1. Create a policy on for Indigenous culture and language.
2. Consult with local Indigenous Nations and community partners with regard to anything related to Indigenous Education. Active participation in decision making where voices are heard.
3 Develop Indigenous values and beliefs about Indigenous learning and communicate them throughout the School District.
4. Work with Schools / Program / Learning Centres to create a strategy to engage Indigenous students, families and community members.
5. Recruit an Indigenous assistant superintendent to work directly with the School Board.
Learning Environment
1.Increase understanding of Indigenous learner identity, interests, cultural background, history, beliefs and practices.
2.The learning environment provides family and students with significant opportunities to feel able and welcome to participate and provide input.
3.Uses trauma-informed approaches that meaningfully empathizes with Indigenous families' lived history with colonization and genocide.
4.Instill a learning environment that makes Indigenous learners proud of their identities.
5.Foster an equitable, safe and free of racism learning environment for Indigenous learners
Learning Environment Centering: Indigenous wisdom
6. Hire more Indigenous peoples in all areas of the School District’s workforce i.e. clerks, bus drivers, custodians, teachers, principals, etc.
Learning Environment Centering: Indigenous wisdom
7. Schools ensure there are safe Indigenous space(s) so Indigenous students can be themselves.
Pedagogical Core (How we Teach)
1. Educators continue to embrace “equitable approach” to learning to improve the ability to apply the FPPL authentically and consistently in their classroom and learning environment.
2. Schools engage and contract Indigenous knowledge keeps, Elders and Indigenous professionals to enhance the K-12 curriculum.
3. Educators develop and implement culturally appropriate assessment tools that are anti-racist, trauma- informed, and strengths-based assessments.
Pedagogical Core (How we Teach) Professional Development
4. Educators to engage in Indigenous pro-d opportunities to improve the integrations of First Peoples Principals of Learning.
Pedagogical Core (How we Teach) Professional Development
5. Educators to engage in anti-racism and racial equity training.
Pedagogical Core (How we Teach) Professional Development
6. Encourage and support educators to participate in Indigenous activities or event in their community.
Pedagogical Core (How we Teach) Professional Development
7. 黄色视频 provides mandatory training to new employees, so staff can be more equipped to implement Indigenous education and address equity issues.
Learning profile
1. Indigenous school teams meet regularly to develop and implement comprehensive Indigenous learner profiles to better meet their needs.
2. Upholding high expectations for Indigenous learners and enhancing their gifts.
3 .Educators assess their learning environments for how they support equity for Indigenous learners.
4. Educators create pathways to post-secondary education and training
5. Educators ensure Indigenous learners have significant support in navigating their vocational and career development.
6. Educators create systems to ensure continuity of support and effective communication when change occur.
This letter explains our programs and services for this school year.
What is an Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement?
An Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement (AEEA) is a commitment made by a school district, all local Aboriginal communities, and the Ministry of Education, to work together to improve the success of all Aboriginal students. The Surrey School District signed its second AEEA in June of 2014 for a five year term.
Download a copy of the agreement by clicking on the following link:
To learn more about Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements in general, click on the following link:
