At the Peace River School Division, First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture, history and traditions are woven throughout our core and complementary courses, helping all students build awareness and understanding as a regular part of their learning.

We work to connect students and staff with the history, culture and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, with particular attention to the Nations and communities local to our region. This work is done in a culturally appropriate way that honours protocol and reflects genuine respect, helping to inspire pride in our Indigenous students.

Supporting Indigenous Student Success

Responsibility for supporting Indigenous education is shared across the division. All PRSD staff carry this responsibility as part of their professional standards under the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS), Leadership Quality Standard (LQS), and Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard (SLQS). Student Success Facilitators are specifically tasked with supporting Indigenous student success, and our Curriculum Coordinators assist in this work as well.

Division Goals, programs and initiatives include, but are not limited to:

• Providing ongoing professional development for all PRSD teachers
• Supporting teachers and administrators in naturally weaving Indigenous ways of knowing, cultures, histories and languages into the classroom and school on a regular basis
• Developing whole-school activities recognizing Orange Shirt Day, Métis Week, and Indigenous Peoples Month
• Encouraging land-based learning experiences and Indigenous studies classes
• Participating in regional events such as the Aboriginal Youth Career Workshop
• Partnering with community agencies to increase services for students
• Honouring our Indigenous graduates with the opportunity to participate in an Eagle Feather Ceremony

Accountability and Reporting

As a condition of receiving First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) funding, PRSD is required to publicly report each year on:

• the total grant funding received across all three FNMI grant allocations (the Truth and Reconciliation support allocation, the student self-identified allocation, and the school and community demographic allocation);
• activities that support the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations; and
• the strategies, activities and programs the Division undertakes to support Indigenous students, along with their impact on First Nations, Métis and Inuit students' education outcomes, as measured by local and provincial results.

Effective November, 2026, this reporting will be included annually in the PRSD's Annual Education Results Report (AERR), helping ensure transparency and accountability to families and the communities we serve.

Why Self-Identify as Indigenous?

The Government of Alberta provides funding to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit education through three grant allocations. One of these, the student self-identified allocation, is provided directly based on the number of students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit, and is intended to provide supports that enhance educational outcomes and wellbeing for those students specifically.

When a family declares their child's Indigenous ancestry, PRSD receives additional funding tied to that declaration, which directly supports programming for self-identified students. These supports include:

• having Elders and Knowledge Keeprs involved in our schools;
• land-based learning opportunities;
• student mentorship and leadership programs;
• family and community engagement events;
• graduation and transition supports;
• Indigenous learning resources and classroom supports;
• professional learning for staff; and
• additional language, culture and identity-based opportunities.

How to Declare

Parents declare their child's status on the school registration form, completed online each year. There is a specific section on the form that asks if you would like to declare your child's ancestry. Self-identification is voluntary and confidential. There is no requirement to provide proof of Indigenous ancestry, citizenship, membership, or status. Identity is determined by the student and family. Families may also update or change their self-identification response at any time during the school year by contacting their school and inquiring about making updates to information provided on their registration form.

If you need assistance, please contact your child's school office or principal.

Elder's Message

"Many people should bring their wisdom to the schools to help their children be successful with their learning." 

- Helen Piper, Cree Elder