The Board of Education of Central Okanagan Public Schools (SD23) has issued a statement reinforcing its support of Indigenous sovereignty, following comments from three British Columbia MLAs. The three MLAs—Dallas Brodie, Jordan Kealy, and Tara Armstrong—made comments describing Indigenous bands’ claims of sovereignty as an issue or threat, reports Kelowna Now. In a statement, the SD23 Board affirmed that it “unequivocally supports the sovereignty, self-determination, and rights of Indigenous Peoples.” It further explained the significance of acknowledging that it is located on the unceded and traditional territory of the Okanagan People. “We know that championing the human rights of everyone, particularly those who face discrimination, does not diminish the rights of anyone else,” concluded the SD23 Board. “We hope that everyone will come to understand that together we learn.” Armstrong issued a statement in response in which she alleged that the school board was “imposing propaganda” on students.
