Tell us about yourself.
“I've lived a pretty good life,” said Supernault, the father of three children and grandfather of two. Born and raised in Sugarcane (Williams Lake First Nation), his parents are Virginia Gilbert of WLFN and the late Frank Supernault of Sucker Creek, Alberta. His grandparents are Rosie Gilbert and Andrew Gilbert, and the late Louise Ghostkeeper and George Ghostkeeper.
Supernault has served as a council member for the WLFN from 2018 to 2020. He teaches First Nations dance and self-defense, and he is a motivational and cultural speaker.
Anxiety, depression and addiction have played a huge role in Supernault’s life, and these are the experiences and understanding he brings to the table. He has worked through a lifetime of healing, and recalls being the target of bullying and racism through school. Supernault also admits, somewhat shyly, that he was himself a bully.
“I didn't understand it at the time... but as I got older, I began to understand...what bullying really was and the pressure that it puts on the person being bullied,” Supernault said.
“These are the things that I remember from my life that I want to bring to this table...I know I have the ability to learn new things and to accept that challenge is amazing."
Why do you want to be a school board trustee?
“I'm always game for a good challenge,” Supernault said.
His friend Angie Delainey, who sits as chair on the board of education, mentioned they were looking for another trustee, and the support he got from friends and family while considering the role spurred him on.
“It’s the experience really that I'm looking forward to,” he said, understanding he may not get in. If he does, however, he said he’s excited to take on the challenge.
What do you think is the top issue that school District 27 is facing?
“I would say I think it’s still racism,” Supernault said, who recalls seeing fights at least once a week in school growing up.
Supernault has spoken to youth across B.C and said he continues to hear about the tensions between First Nation and non-First Nation students in school.
“I would like to take on the challenge of bringing more awareness and helping people understand we're all here to get through this crazy world in this short lifetime we have, and it's easier when we stand together rather than standing divided,” he said.
How do you plan to address that?
By bringing his own experiences to the table, Supernault said he can bring more awareness to the board and lead to positive change.
He remembers how helpful it was to have his own counselor while in school and thinks bringing in more counseling could be a way to build awareness and support for students.
Literacy and numeracy levels in school district 27 are well below provincial average. What would you do to increase student achievement?
“I believe learning and the attitude towards learning and education in school starts at a very young age,” Supernault said, whose children grew up to be strong readers and writers after being read to every day at home.
He isn’t quite sure what changes can be made to help students with literacy and numeracy at further stages in their lives, but he said it’s all about making learning fun.
What would you like to see in local schools that isn't there now?
From the interaction he’s had with students during his talks and from the past experiences both he and his daughter faced in school, Supernault believes that mental health awareness is an essential part of education.
“Understanding what depression looks like in your life and anxiety and panic attacks and suicidal thoughts...it's a huge stumbling block,” Supernault said.
Anything else?
Growing up, Supernault’s report cards always noted he was disruptive in class, always chatting and unable to sit still.
“I look back and all those things that the teacher was saying these are bad things, it's kind of funny to look back and say like now that's how I make my living.”
