(Grimshaw, Alta) – The Peace River School Division (PRSD) has taken significant strides towards implementing its newly approved Policy 20: Anti-Racism. The Division is grateful to the dedicated work of its diverse Anti-Racism Committee, composed of staff from across the Division. This committee has paved the way for a more inclusive future, and the Division is excited to recognize the numerous initiatives already underway in many of our schools. The following examples include a non-exhaustive  list of the ways the PRSD has demonstrated their commitment to fostering welcoming and equitable learning environments for all students.

• The creation of the White Buffalo Lodge at Peace River High School: There is now a dedicated space where teachers can bring in a full class, everyone can fit in comfortably, there can be a fire, and students and staff can participate in a smudging circle.
• The staff at Grimshaw Public School are in the planning stages of creating a medicine garden.
• The PRSD has welcomed Métis Fiddler Linda Duford several times to teach Métis fiddling to our students.
• Many schools participated in various land-based learning activities earlier this Fall. In Fairview, Grade 7 students went to George Lake for the day to learn from a knowledge keeper about traditional uses of local plants, play Indigenous games, enjoy fried bannock, and visit the historical George Lake Cemetery where many Beaver and Cree people who died during the flu epidemic of 1918 are buried.
• Paul Rowe Jr./Sr. High School assisted with preparing tobacco bundles for their community’s first ever Sisters in Spirit Walk.
• The Division’s Annual Education Results Report indicates we have made progress in our goal of eliminating the achievement gap between our Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

As the work of implementing the policy transitions from a governance to an operational phase, the PRSD Superintendent of Schools remains dedicated to supporting key initiatives. These include enhancing communication about the policy with PRSD staff, students, and communities, and providing opportunities for administrators to discuss and develop best practices for addressing racism and discrimination in schools. Finally, the Division is committed to systematically reviewing all of their administrative procedures and policies to ensure they align with the cultural and racial inclusivity principles outlined in Policy 20.

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Background

 The Peace River School Division’s Anti-Racism Committee was struck in mid-2020 out of a desire to address systemic racism in education. The primary goal of the committee was to develop an anti-racism policy for the Division. After four years of research, learning, and understanding, the committee presented Policy 20: Anti-Racism to the Board of Trustees for approval. The Board gave approval of the policy during their June 20, 2024 regular board meeting.

For more information:

Kristin Dyck
Communications Coordinator
780-624-3601 ext. 10154