Free, one-to-one reading and math mentoring for children in rural and remote Indigenous communities, delivered in partnership with local schools and community members.
Land Acknowledgment
Learning Buddies Network acknowledges that we are on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nation people.
We express our deep gratitude for the privilege of being on this land and recognize their enduring relationship with it. We are committed to working with First Nations in BC to foster safe and respectful relationships as we strive to provide equitable service for each community while learning and growing together.
Our Indigenous Programs
Learning Buddies Network works with Indigenous schools and communities to bring free, one-to-one reading and math mentoring to elementary students in rural and remote locations.
Our hybrid approach connects children with trained youth mentors online, while local school and community partners support participation in person. This brings together the encouragement of a dedicated mentor and the support of people within the child’s own community.
We work with local partners to understand their needs and explore how an LBN program can fit their setting. These relationships guide how we coordinate and support each program.
Our first Indigenous programs began in Bella Bella in 2022. Since then, partnerships with schools and communities have helped us bring reading and math mentoring to more children across British Columbia. Watch our Bella Bella video for a closer look at the people and connections behind the program.
Our Impact
Behind every point on this map is a partnership with people committed to supporting children’s learning. Currently, Learning Buddies Network proudly serves a number of Indigenous communities across British Columbia, including:
Bella Bella — Bella Bella Community School
Kispiox / Anspayaxw — Kispiox Community School
Klemtu — Kitasoo Community School
Kwakiutl / Port Hardy — Wagalus School
Nisga’a Laxgalts’ap — Alvin A. McKay Elementary School
Nisga’a Gingolx — Nathan Barton Elementary School
Nisga’a Gitlaxt’aamiks — Nisga’a Elementary Secondary School
Nisga’a Gitwinksihlkw — Gitwinksihlkw Elementary School
Tipella / Xa’xtsa — Xa’xtsa Community School
Wuikinuxv / Rivers Inlet — Wuikinuxv Elementary School
How Our Programs Work
Buddies participate in their communities
Children join our hybrid programs online through their participating school or community site, with local support to supply technology and ensure the sessions run smoothly.
Youth mentors connect 1:1 online
Trained youth volunteers provide one-to-one reading or math practice through a series of mentoring sessions, connecting with Buddies through activities and celebrating progress.
Register for our programs:
LBN staff members support the partnership
LBN staff coordinate mentor recruitment, training, and program support, working with local partners to adapt delivery to their setting.
Community Testimonials
“Buddies are becoming more confident, more engaged in their learning, and increasingly eager and curious to learn.”
— Lovely, Teacher in Klemtu
“The academic one-on-one support is great for building confidence and filling in gaps.”
— Lucas, Principal in Tipella
“It has really helped build their confidence, and that one-on-one encouragement really allowed them to blossom.”
— Malista, Principal and Executive Director in Wuikinuxv
Our Community Commitments - 2027 - 2029
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Hire a full-time Fund Development Director to help sustain and grow programming.
Expand programming into two additional communities, serving up to 20 children in each community.
Co-develop success measures with Indigenous leaders and communities; distinguish Indigenous and Lower Mainland measures where appropriate.
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Hire a full time Indigenous Program Manager to help sustain and support current programming.
Hire a part time Fund Development Director to diversify revenue streams, strengthen relationships with new and existing funders, and support stewardship of individual donors.
Expand programming into one additional community.
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Expand programming into three more communities, serving up to 20 children in each community.
Learning Buddies Network is committed to supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
Our work is guided by Calls to Action 10 and 12, which recognize the importance of improving educational outcomes for Indigenous children, protecting Indigenous languages, and providing culturally appropriate learning opportunities. At LBN, this means listening first, building genuine relationships, and working alongside Indigenous communities to create mentoring programs that reflect the needs, cultures, languages, and priorities of the children and families we serve.
Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment to learning, accountability, relationship-building, and meaningful action. Our commitment is to continue reflecting on how we can contribute to this work in respectful and meaningful ways.
Truth and Reconciliation
Learning Buddies Network Indigenous Programs Logo
LBN partnered with Thomas Wilson, a Heiltsuk artist in Bella Bella, to create a logo for our Indigenous programs.
The formline art featured on this page were also created by Thomas Wilson to celebrate the biodiversity in Bella Bella, and will be integrated into card decks for an original LBN Phylo(mon) Digital Card Game for our Indigenous programs.
The additional collection of Indigenous artwork featured on this page was created through the efforts of Blake Carpenter, who devised the original designs, and Sandra Cao, an LBN volunteer who worked to digitize the drawings. The graphics have been integrated into materials for our Indigenous programs.
Indigenous Community Journal
Join Owen and Deanna as they visit partner communities, connect with educators, and share reflections from LBN’s Indigenous programs. Read about the relationships behind our work, what we are learning and how community feedback shapes our next steps.
