Fort St. James Secondary Faces Crisis as Community Grieves

The community of Fort St. James, British Columbia, is grappling with a profound crisis as the local secondary school seeks urgent support for its vulnerable students. The school has reported an alarming trend of tragic deaths, with an average of one funeral taking place each week since December 2020. According to Shelley Leatherdale, vice-principal at Fort St. James Secondary, these losses stem from a combination of alcohol and drug abuse, accidents, and the ongoing effects of COVID-19.

“This has deeply affected our families,” said Leatherdale. “We lost a 13-year-old girl to alcohol poisoning earlier this year, and the weight of grief is evident among our students.” As the community mourns, the Indigenous education department is organizing a grief and loss workshop, titled Embers of Hope, aimed at addressing the emotional toll on students.

Hunger is another pressing issue at the school, which serves approximately 267 students. Many arrive on Monday mornings reporting that they have not eaten in days. “Students often take extra servings during breakfast and then head to our wellness room for more,” explained Leatherdale. “They prepare meals like omelettes and sandwiches to satisfy their hunger.”

The wellness room provides essential resources, yet it is facing significant shortages. During the harsh winter months, many students come to school without proper winter clothing. “We are short on winter jackets and gloves. Some students only have hoodies and running shoes,” noted Leatherdale, highlighting the dire conditions faced by families in the area. Staff members sometimes travel to Prince George, a 90-minute drive, to help students find affordable clothing options.

Thanks to a grant from the Adopt-A-School (AAS) program last year, the wellness room was stocked with food and clothing, which has positively impacted student well-being. Jhenipher Bridgeman, an at-risk youth worker, noted that the program has “increased self-esteem, reduced stigma, and improved behavior and academic performance.”

To continue these vital services, Fort St. James Secondary is seeking an additional $20,000 from AAS. Bridgeman emphasized, “Basic essentials are crucial for our students to survive and live with dignity. Without them, life becomes extremely difficult.”

The challenges faced by the community extend beyond individual tragedies. Bridgeman pointed out that systemic barriers, such as underfunded schools and limited job prospects, contribute to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape. “These challenges can result in poor health outcomes and lower educational achievements,” she added.

Fort St. James Secondary is one of 164 schools that have submitted requests for assistance through the AAS program, with total funding requests reaching $1.5 million. The growing needs of these schools reflect the broader impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families, making support more critical than ever.

The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund administers the Adopt-A-School program, ensuring that all donations are directed entirely to schools without any administrative fees. Donations can be made online at vansunkidsfund.ca or via phone at 604-813-8673.

As Fort St. James continues to navigate this difficult period, the commitment to supporting its students remains strong. The community is coming together to address these urgent needs, with hope that the support will help foster a brighter future for its children.