A new way forward,
together in partnership.
Dogwood 25 Society supports Indigenous students in British Columbia by helping them stay in school, succeed academically, and graduate with full Dogwood Certificates. Its current key initiative, the Indigenous Community-Culture-Math Education (ICCME) Mentoring Program, partners with UBC to provide culturally responsive math education, expanding across multiple school districts with ongoing support from provincial funding.
Who We Are
Founded in 2014 by Dr. Sid Katz and former Premier Mike Harcourt, the Dogwood25 Society is dedicated to helping Indigenous students stay in school, perform well, and graduate with full Dogwood Certificates, opening pathways to higher education and employment.
The Society has implemented successful peer-mentoring programs in Vancouver schools, initially supported by a grant from the Vancouver Foundation. Currently, its main initiative, the Indigenous Community-Culture-Math Education (ICCME) Mentoring Program, is run in partnership with UBC’s Faculty of Education. This program, led by Professor Jo Ann Archibald and Professor Cynthia Nicol, supports over 150 teachers and administrators across ten school districts, focusing on culturally responsive math education.
Recent funding has expanded ICCME into Prince Rupert, Coast Mountain, and Haida Gwaii school districts, alongside a new Webinar series on Indigenous Pedagogies in Math. Future plans include further expansion into Northern BC and beyond.
Dogwood25’s roots trace back to Dr. Katz’s earlier work at UBC Community Affairs, where he fostered relationships with the Musqueam Indian Band. Initiatives like Bridge Through Sport and an after-school literacy program reinforced the importance of school attendance, academic success, and cultural inclusion.
As a registered charity, Dogwood25 continues to strengthen educational opportunities for Indigenous youth across British Columbia.
Our Mission
To support the educational achievement and social-emotional growth of all Aboriginal learners in our K to 12 public education system in order to increase their graduation rates to equal or surpass provincial graduation rates by the year 2025.
Our Vision
Through targeted support — including mentorship, asset-building, community collaboration, cultural recognition and respect — we will work with Aboriginal students to help them achieve their potential as learners and as capable, responsible, and fulfilled members of society.
Goals
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To eradicate the disparity in graduation rates of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students in British Columbia by 2025. -
To develop a strong mentorship program for Aboriginal students in public schools with Aboriginal teachers and students as role models and mentors.
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To launch a pilot program within the Vancouver School District at schools with significant Aboriginal populations.
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To evaluate the measurable outcomes in order to successfully launch a province-wide mentorship program within five years.
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To provide opportunities and support that enable Aboriginal youth in grades K to 12 to achieve academic success.
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To identify, adapt, and create tools, processes, resources, and networks that will assist schools, community groups, businesses, and individuals working toward engaging Aboriginal students to become lifelong learners.
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To demonstrate improved outcomes for Aboriginal students, such as better attendance, increased test scores, higher grades, and, ultimately, a graduation rate that equals or exceeds that of non-Aboriginal student