By Khushi Arora, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Williams Lake Tribune Michael Franklin was the acclaimed chair of the Cariboo-Chilcotin school board as trustees took their oaths of office on Nov. 2, beginning a four-year term with priorities ranging from strong community connections to support for indigenous voices and student learning. Trustees also cast ballots to elect a vice-chair, with Ella Brown, Jenny Philbrick and Melissa Coates nominated for the position. Coates was elected to serve alongside Franklin. Dancing Water Sandy, the district’s principal of Indigenous education and a Williams Lake First Nation member, welcomed those gathered to the territory. Her son William Lulua presented trustees with medicine pouches intended to offer strength and support as they began their work together. “Those medicines are to help uplift and hold the…






