Indigenous Education

In addition to our divisional Indigenous Education Program Coordinator, each of our schools has a designated Indigenous Education lead who helps further our divisional priorities in Indigenous Education. At Peace River School Division, we are committed to:

Working Together

We build relationships. We connect with students, staff and teachers within our schools. We connect with other schools and we connect with our wider community.

Connecting with Culture

We connect students and staff with the history, culture and perspectives of (especially local) Indigenous people in a culturally appropriate way that honours protocol and inspires pride in our Indigenous students.

Increasing Engagement

We increase student and community engagement in our school system by demonstrating that school is now a safe place that provides all students with an education that will lead to increased opportunities without sacrificing culture. Our success will be measured by the increased attendance and academic achievement of our Indigenous students.

Celebrating Together

We support division-wide events that celebrate culture, further reconciliation and/or foster academic achievement. By showing how much we value Indigenous culture, we hope our Indigenous students will be inspired to self-declare.

Indigenous Education Program Coordinator

Contact the Indigenous Education Program Coordinator

The primary goal of the Indigenous Education Program Coordinator is to support student learning.

Supporting all PRSD students develop their understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous history, culture, language, contributions, perspectives, experiences and contemporary contexts of Indigenous peoples.

Supporting Indigenous students to ensure that they experience a sense of belonging, independence, mastery and generosity as an integral part of PRSD. A result of this will be increasing attendance and academic achievement.

Offers support for our educational leaders.

Supporting division-level staff as they set a direction for our school division that will enable us to meet the new Leadership Quality Standards and meaningfully participate in the ongoing process of Truth and Reconciliation.

Supporting principals to Lead the Learning in terms of supporting staff in meeting the new TQS requirements

Supporting school-based Indigenous Education leads as they strive to fulfill their role as a resource for their school staff

Supporting teachers as they explore what “Applying Foundational Knowledge” can look like in the classroom.

To support our educational leaders, the coordinator ensures that we are collaborating effectively with our Indigenous communities.

Supporting Indigenous communities to ensure that they experience our schools as a place where their knowledge and input is welcomed. They will see clear evidence that our schools are supporting our Indigenous students and that we place a high priority on ensuring that all of our students are developing their understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous history, culture, language, contributions, perspectives, experiences and contemporary contexts.

How Does PRSD Celebrate Indigenous Culture?

Peace River School Division (PRSD) is committed to meeting the needs of all learners in supportive, kind and caring school environments. Goals, programs and initiatives of the Indigenous Education program includes, but is not limited to:

Establishing school-based Indigenous Support Workers or Indigenous Education leads at all of our schools
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
Hosting divisional events such as our Hand Games tournament
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 Eagle Feather Ceremony

Why Declare?

Did you know that for each student that declares Indigenous ancestry, schools receive an additional $1200 per child from the Alberta Government? The funds are delivered to the school division and combined with the division's overall budget provided by Alberta Education. This means more funding for schools, which translates to more opportunities for students. In Peace River School Division, we use the funds to support the initiatives as outlined in the “How Does PRSD Embrace Indigenous Culture?” section of this website and our brochure. If you believe there is Indigenous ancestry in your family, we are asking families to consider declaring their sons/daughters.

How to Declare

Declaring is NOT done automatically. Parents declare their child’s status on the school registration form that is completed online every year. There is a specific location on the School Registration Form that asks if you would like to declare your child. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school office staff or school principal for assistance. You are not required to declare proof of ancestry, although we are certainly hoping you will do so.

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

Scholarships

First Nation, Métis and Inuit Bursary

Use the Northern Alberta Development Council on-line application. Applications are also available in PDF form and can be mailed to the NADC. Please follow the mailing directions on the form. Applications for a $6,000 or $10,000 bursary must be received in the NADC office by June 1, for the first selection meeting or November 15, for the second selection meeting.

Details about the Bursary below (perhaps just include a link to this info):

The First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) NADC Bursary is a return service bursary of varying amounts. Students in pre-apprenticeship training, or in a certificate or diploma studies can access up to $6,000 for their studies. Students in a Bachelor’s, Masters’ or PhD program can access $10,000 per year for any year of their studies. The FNMI NADC bursary program provides funding for students in the form of a non-repayable bursary if you agree to live and work in the north for one year of full time employment in return for each year of bursary support received. Students must apply for the bursary for each year they want to be considered. The goal of this bursary is to assist FNMI students to obtain the skills and knowledge to enter or re-enter the workforce in northern Alberta.

You may receive a FNMI NADC Bursary if you:

Have been a resident of Alberta for 12 consecutive months before the start of your program

Are enrolled full time in a post-secondary program that is designated for provincial funding
In a program that is at least 12 weeks in length for half of a bursary or 16 weeks for a full bursary
Are not in default of a provincial student loan
Can provide proof of Aboriginal Ancestry (see application for more detail)

Return Service Commitment

Selected recipients sign a return service contract with Alberta Advanced Education.

* Please note that this application site cannot be accessed by cell phone or tablet. Applicants are required to use a PC to complete the application.

**Applicants do not have the ability to save their application partway through. We encourage applicants to review the PDF form to assist you in completing the application and having all required information when you start to complete your application.

Rupertsland Institue Post-Secondary Education Funding

Learn more about the program and APPLY HERE

Alberta Student Aid Scholarships for Indigenous Students

Click here for scholarships and awards for applicants who are Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, or Inuit.

Parents and Student Links