School District No.8 (Kootenay Lake) is pleased to announce Laury Carrière as the new Director of Instruction – Indigenous Education and Learning Services effective August 1, 2024. This role replaces the previous District Principal of Aboriginal Education position and is part of the SD8 senior leadership team, underscoring the district’s commitment to reconciliation and Indigenization of the curriculum.

Aboriginal Education is designed to support the success of all Indigenous students: First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit students. The program creates opportunities for all students to learn from Indigenous knowledge, teachings, culture and world views in the B.C. kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) curriculum. 

"On behalf of our senior leadership team and all staff in our district, I am thrilled to welcome Laury into this role," said SD8 Superintendent Trish Smillie. 

"Laury’s demonstrated leadership in Indigenous education and her deep commitment to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students’ educational needs make her exceptionally suited to guide this vital area of our district’s mission to inspire and support each learner to thrive in a caring learning environment."

Director Carrière, a seasoned educator and school leader within SD8, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She holds a master’s degree in School and Instructional Leadership from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Education from the University of British Columbia. Her extensive background includes roles as principal at Kootenay River Secondary School and Canyon-Lister Elementary in SD8’s Creston Family of Schools, principal of Crawford Bay Elementary-Secondary and Deputy Head of Upper School at Jerudong International School in Brunei.

Throughout her career, Director Carrière has been deeply involved in initiatives that promote Indigenous education and leadership, having led numerous presentations and workshops focused on these areas. Her recent work includes leading the Strengthening Early Years to Kindergarten project in Creston and active participation in SD8's Anti-Racism Working Group.

"It is an honour to continue my journey with SD8 in this new capacity. The success of Indigenous students is at the core of my new role and I look forward to embodying that perspective as a member of our senior team,” said Director Carrière.

“In her new role, Director Carrière will work with all staff to ensure that every educator and employee is equipped to support all children to graduate with the skills, knowledge, self-understanding, and cultural awareness to thrive as young adults,” said Superintendent Smillie.