Nearly 60 Students Attend the Indspire Soaring Youth Empowerment Gathering
July 15, 2026
Nearly 60 students from the Chilliwack School District traveled to Halifax to attend the Indspire Soaring Youth Empowerment Gathering in May. Students from the Lá:lém Siyá:m (House of Leaders) 10 class and members of Indigenous Student Voice & Agency Group represented all five district secondary schools.
Students attended keynote presentations, workshops, cultural activities, networking sessions, and leadership development activities. They engaged with Indigenous leaders, professionals, post-secondary representatives, and peers from across Canada. They also explored topics in education, career pathways, culture, identity, wellness, and community leadership.
The conference created meaningful opportunities for students to connect with one another, share experiences, and strengthen their leadership skills in a supportive and culturally affirming environment.
“I really loved being at this event for the connection. It was unreal,” said Kw'íyeqel Secondary student Fawn Imler. “It felt like these people aren’t people that I don’t know; they’re people I’m getting to know. It was amazing to see everyone connecting.”
“This opportunity is an extension of the work we do in Lá:lém Siyá:m and in Indigenous Student Voice and Agency. There we’re really striving to provide a space for students to both experience and feel a lot of pride in their culture and to be able to share that with others,” said Niki McCall, Indigenous Education Enhancement teacher. “It’s also an important pillar of our work that we are introducing students to a variety of post-secondary opportunities, different education and career pathways. That’s something an organization that Indspire can help us with.”
McCall said that a significant highlight of the gathering was the visibility and leadership demonstrated by students from the Chilliwack School District throughout the event. Students shared their Coast Salish culture and other various Indigenous cultures with drumming, singing, and cultural garments.
“A highlight for me was the career fair. I really liked seeing all the opportunities for post-secondary,” said Sardis Secondary student Emma Goodyear. “Every post-secondary option that was there was so encouraging. I really felt like they were ready to support any path I was ready to go into.”
Indspire funded the trip and all students and chaperones attended at no cost to students or the district. Students and staff spoke about their trip at the Board of Education meeting on June 16. Find the recording here: Board Meetings 2025-26 | Chilliwack School District #33.
Pictured: Students and members of the Board of Education pose for a photo at the Board Meeting on June 16th.