A Bow Valley school board is welcoming input from Stoney Nakoda elders regarding indigenous student education in off-reservation schools.
Over 250 First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) students are enrolled in the Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) system and the formation of a new FNMI steering committee, made up of teachers and administration, will seek the voice and direction of elders to establish common education goals for the division and indigenous community.
“We have to understand each other and we have to make them make feel safe and valued in the school system,” said Violet Parsons-Pack, CRPS assistant superintendent.
“The first meeting (on Oct. 19) was a lot of introductions and listening to some of the things they see and experience.”
Being able to involve Stoney Nakoda elders in a meaningful way by discussing the value of education for all was an important initiative at CRPS, said Parsons-Pack.
Each meeting could help in a number of areas, such as identifying proper and knowledgeable individuals to visit schools and help on certain indigenous projects, among others.
The partnership may help provide FNMI students with a sense of more of their own culture within the walls of the schools.
The major focus this year, according to Parsons-Pack, will be to close the achievement gaps for any and all students, which was discussed at an inaugural meeting with the committee and eight Stoney elders.
“That’s where the steering committee came from – we need elders to be involved,” said Parsons-Pack.
Another steering committee meeting is being held later this month.
This is also the first school year that CRPS and the Stoney Education Authority – the division on the First Nation – formed a partnership that would mutually benefit students and educators at the divisions.
Due in large to the provincial grant program Building Collaboration and Capacity in Education (BCCE), a $20 million initiative over three years, it will be financially and professionally beneficial for school divisions to begin professional development with bordering First Nation communities.
The grant will benefit First Nations students in both divisions, as well as educators.
Between students and teachers, professional learning opportunities and shared learning opportunities and programs will be available.
