A former superintendent of the Chilliwack School District was recently honoured for advancing the district's journey toward reconciliation.
Board of Education officials made a point of recognizing Michael Audet "for his leadership and commitment to building meaningful relationships with First Nations, rights holders, Inuit and Métis," with presentations made at the on June 17 board meeting in Chilliwack.
Audet served the school district from the late 1990s in key leadership roles: principal, director of instruction, assistant superintendent, and ultimately, superintendent until 2011.
"His legacy is intricately connected to Chilliwack School District's journey toward reconciliation and relationship-building with Indigenous communities," according to the release from superintendent Rohan Arul-Pragasm.
District Principal Brenda Point and Assistant Superintendent David Manuel made presentations celebrating the district’s transformation from the Indigenous Education Advisory Council (IEAC) to the Indigenous Advisory Council — a shift recognized by the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Chilliwack was "among the first districts" in B.C. to submit terms of reference under Bill 40, "a testament to the foundational work that began under Dr. Audet’s leadership."
"He understood that reciprocity means more than partnership; it’s about building relationships grounded in mutual respect, shared understanding, and recognition of Indigenous knowledge, culture, and ways of being."
"Dr. Audet embodied this principle of reciprocity. He practised leadership that was generational in its depth — honouring roles, responsibilities, and the long-term nature of trust-building with patience and wisdom," said Superintendent Rohan Arul-pragasam.
"Long before the introduction of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Dr. Audet led with a distinction-based approach—ensuring that the unique rights, priorities, and voices of each First Nations were honoured in Chilliwack School District's work.
As early as 2002, he recognized what the future would require, even before Indigenous Education funding policies were established.
"He understood that authentic relationships are the cornerstone of lasting progress.
"On a personal note, what I’ve shared with you today about relationships was something I experienced myself when I joined the district in 2004," said Arul-pragasam. "Michael, you always ensured that each person you met felt a genuine sense of belonging to this organization.
"Because of your ability to sense, to see, to feel - and to lead with both your head and your heart - we are in a strong place today as a district.
"Your legacy continues to guide us."
