Chiefs call for action after teacher questions Fredericton school's powwow

Indigenous students at Fredericton High School and First Nations leaders feel disgusted and discouraged after a teacher allegedly opposed a powwow held at the school earlier this week.

St. Mary's First Nation Chief Allan Polchies Jr. shared an email Clifford Cull sent to fellow staff about the May 21 event.

In it, the science teacher criticizes the school for hosting the powwow during instructional time. He claims he contacted Education Minister Bill Hogan and confirmed "these type [of] spiritual meetings are not endorsed" by the department.

Cull likens the cultural celebration that includes traditional drumming, dance, arts, crafts and food, to "having a priest come into FHS and do a prayer vigil with communion and the stations of the cross."

"There is an expectation for there to be a separation of state and 'church,'" the email says.

"I am asking that if there is to be a powwow at FHS it be done during non instructional times such as lunchtime or after school."

Polchies reacted with, "How dare you Mr. Cull!"

"Our people have been here from time immemorial. We share our beautiful culture as treaty people. Education is the healing path forward."

Polchies and the five other chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation subsequently issued a statement, saying the email "undermines the cultural significance of powwows, which are vital expressions of our identity, pride and community for our youth."

They contend such comments reflect broader issues of systemic racism in the New Brunswick education system that "fuels misunderstandings towards First Nation people."

"It is concerning that these views are still present within the educational environment and raises alarms about the social-emotional safety of Indigenous students."

The chiefs are calling for immediate action from the Anglophone West School District, the New Brunswick Teachers' Association and Department of Education to address the situation "in a manner that protects Indigenous students from further harm."

This would include a thorough examination of the policies and practices that "perpetuate anti-Indigenous racism," cultural safety and anti-racism training for all non-Indigenous staff, and a public apology "from the involved parties, reaffirming their commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive educational atmosphere."

Cull, who is currently absent from school, told CBC News "an in-house email was leaked … or stolen."