PGUAJS Shares Community Perspectives with SD57 and BCFNJC

Monday evening, September 14, 2026, PGUAJS shared two important community perspectives with education and justice partners.

Supporting Indigenous students and families in School District 57

Executive Director Jason Kelly, MBA, presented to the School District 57 District Parent Advisory Council on how PGUAJS walks alongside Indigenous students and families. The presentation focused on prevention, practical support and restorative responses that help young people stay connected to school, culture and community.

PGUAJS currently works with school communities from Hixon to Ness Lake. In the 2024–25 program year, the organization:

• supported 100 students directly;

• reached 160 more students through school events; and

• participated in 19 SD57 coordination meetings.

  
  

Jason also outlined support available to students, parents and caregivers, including school meeting preparation, cultural connection, talking and healing circles, restorative processes, life skills, wellness planning, youth diversion for ages 12–17 and referrals to other community services.

MMIWG advocacy with BCFNJC

That same evening, Jolene Paquette, PGUAJS Team Lead and Adult Justice Worker, presented on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) to the BC First Nations Justice Council.

Jolene brings more than 20 years of experience supporting Indigenous individuals, families and communities. Her previous work as a Northwest MMIWG Coordinator included supporting families along the Highway of Tears, from Prince George to Haida Gwaii.

Community knowledge in decision-making spaces

These presentations reflect PGUAJS’s commitment to bringing community experience into the rooms where education and justice decisions are discussed. We thank SD57 DPAC and BCFNJC for creating space for these conversations.

To connect with PGUAJS, email admin@pguajs.ca or call 250-562-7928.

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