Group of people standing in front of a wall of Indigenous artwork. Two of the people blanketed as an honouring.
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Trustees Honoured by Indigenous Education Council

September 18, 2026

Two long-serving members of the Abbotsford Board of Education were recognized with a special honour this week for their years of service and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

Board Chair Stan Petersen, who has served as a trustee for 15 years, and Vice Chair Shirley Wilson, who has served for 21 years, were blanketed by members of the Abbotsford School District’s Indigenous Education Council (IEC).

Blanketing an individual is the highest respect and honour from Stó꞉lō people. The blanket wrapped around their shoulders recognizes their contributions to community, and the blanket they stand on shows a new beginning.

Dr Gwendolyn Point, Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Advisor, shared these words with Board Chair Petersen and Vice Chair Wilson: “Ts’itholetstel - I thank you on behalf of the Indigenous Education Council for walking with us, working with us, listening and hearing us as we planned each year to support our Indigenous students and their families to be successful throughout the school year.”

The recognition reflects their longstanding commitment to strengthening relationships and advancing Truth and Reconciliation within the Abbotsford School District, as well as their dedication, leadership and service to public education.

We are grateful to the Indigenous Education Council for this meaningful recognition and for their continued leadership, guidance and partnership with our district.

 

Two females each holding an end to an Indigenous patterned blanket as they fold it for the honouring.
Two women, with one tying a bandana around the head of the other.
One female wraps and tying a bandana around another female's head with a man standing off to the side.
Man being blanketed by a female in an Indigenous honouring
Small group of people working together to blanket two individuals for an Indigenous Honouring.
Three women, with one being blanketed for an Indigenous Honouring
A female and male standing in a gymnasium. Both have been blanketed for an Indigenous Honouring.
Group of people standing in a gymnasium with Indigenous mural on wall behind them. Two of the individuals have been blanketed as an honouring.