About Rupert Schools
Located on Ts’msyan Territory
Prince Rupert School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Ts’msyan people. When you are at gatherings and events, accross British Columbia, you will likely hear this phrase “traditional and unceded territory”. For visitors and new residents not familiar with the history and politics of British Columbia and Canada, this phrase might not make much sense. The history of this phrase relates to the fact that the distinct Ts’msyan bands, and the majority of indigenous communities across BC, have never signed a treaty with the Canadian Government or what is commonly referred to as “the Crown”. The term “Crown” is a reference to Canada’s head of state which is still the Monarch of England. For Prince Rupert, this means that the Ts’msyan people have never given up any rights to land and/or title. We say this phrase, “traditional and unceded territory”, to honour and respect the Ts’msyan people, their rights, their land and their ancestoral history on this land which goes back to time immemorial, or before memory.
Our Multicultural Community
Prince Rupert, located on Kaien Island, has been a multicultural hub for millennia. Situated close to the mouth of the Skeena River, the lands around Prince Rupert have been a trading hub for the indigenous peoples of the BC’s North Coast for 1000s of years. In addition to the Ts’msyan people, Kaien Island is home to indigenous peoples from around BC’s North Coast including: Nisga’a, Haida, Haisla, Gitxsan, Heiltsuk, Tlingit and others. After european colonization of the area, Prince Rupert has become home to many other people and cultures from around the world including: European, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Philipino, and Chinese. While these are some of the major cultural representations in Prince Rupert, there are many more cultures from all over the world who have settled in Prince Rupert. Our school district reflects this multicultrualism with our student body being about 60% indigenous and 40% non-indigenous.
% of Indigenous
% of Non-Indigenous
We offer a wide variety of opportunities for learning and experiences.
Enhanced Specialized Science
Our schools offer science courses connected to the territory and land. There are opportunities to discover, through science, the local marine biology, fauna and flora. Science classes combine the wisdom of indigenous knowledge holders with modern scientific techniques.
Literature and Culture
Our courses focus on the culture and literary traditions of indigenous peoples of BC in combination with the broader BC, Canadian and Global literary traditions and culture. Students have opportunities to learn and interact with local indigenous knowledge keepers and elders. This includes field trips onto the territory and villages.
Unique Experiential Education
Prince Rupert School District offers unique field trip and experiential opportunities offered no where else in the world. Nestled in the Great Bear Rainforest students have the opportunity to view Grizzly Bears, Spirit Bears, Whales, Ancient Indigenous Petroglyphs and participate in ancient traditional harvesting and feasting with local indigenous guides.