Indigenous Education Services

We work together to carry out the purpose and values of Indigenous Education Services within our division. Our focus is to improve the experience of our Indigenous students, create learning opportunities for all students, collaborate with staff in a leadership capacity, and to foster and strengthen community relationships. 

Our framework includes three division-wide positions, including the Indigenous Education Coordinator (team lead), and two Indigenous Services Provider positions, who specialize in Indigenous student wellness and education. For 2021-2022, there will also be a division-wide position held by an Educator who specializes in weaving Indigenous content into curriculum and classrooms. These roles work directly with schools to meet their unique needs. 

Our framework also includes four school-based positions, including three Indigenous Liaisons at Hythe Regional School and one at Beaverlodge Regional High School. These roles work within their schools to support and advocate for Indigenous students, foster healthy relationships with Indigenous families and communities, and promote representation of Indigenous perspectives, values and culture.

• Meet with students on a regular basis during school hours to support their social and academic needs.
• Seek to establish and maintain a trust relationship with Indigenous students and their families to assist with school-related issues.
• Improve communication and increase interaction between students, parents, communities and schools.
• Increase the knowledge and understanding of Indigenous history, Treaty and Aboriginal rights, lands, cultures and languages; and to provide referral services for Indigenous students and families to appropriate agencies. 

The Indigenous Speaker Series tours Indigenous role models throughout the Division. We've had the honor of learning from Indigenous community members, athletes, music artists, Knowledge Keepers and Elders, such as Michael Linklater, Kelly Fraser, Goota Desmarais, Beverly Lambert, Natascha Okimaw, and more!

 

The Indigenous Student Recognition Awards celebrate our outstanding graduate students. There are two award categories that students can be nominated for:

Through the Indigenous Education Services Grant, schools can apply for additional funding to support a one-time, above and beyond Indigenization project. With this financial support, we hope to support our schools in their efforts to increase Indigenous representation, infuse Indigenous knowledge into student learning, and build long-lasting relationships.

Introduced by Alberta’s Minister of Education to the Alberta Legislative Assembly in 1987, the Policy Statement on Native

 Education in Alberta was significant because it was issued by the Government of Alberta. The policy stated that “Alberta Education would support the development and delivery of programs and services that would:

• provide enhanced and equal opportunities for Native students to acquire the quality of education traditional in Alberta;
  
• challenge Native students to learn and perform to the best of their ability;
  
• provide opportunities for Native students to study and experience their own and other Native cultures and lifestyles;
  
• provide opportunities for all students, Native and non-Native, in Alberta’s schools to recognize and appreciate the various Native cultures and their many contributions to the province and society.”

 

These resources have been gathered and/or created by the Indigenous Education Services team to support your teaching and learning.

 

Apr. 14, 2022 PWPSD's Indigenous Education Services reflects on Pope Francis' apology for residential schools

Mar. 21, 2022 PWPSD schools prepare for in-person Indigenous Speaker Series

Oct. 04, 2021 12th Annual Sisters in Spirit

Sept. 28, 2021 Orange Shirt Day at PWPSD Schools - Every Child Matters

Feb. 03, 2021 Inuit Connections focus of PWPSD Indigenous Speaker Series in February
Nov. 16, 2020 PWPSD schools focus on three important events this week
Sept. 24, 2019 Orange Shirt Day at PWPSD schools – Every Child Matters
Jun. 18, 2019  PWPSD schools celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
Apr. 26, 2019  PWPSD Indigenous Speakers Series welcomes “Métis Bev” 
Apr. 03, 2019  Post-secondary education focus of upcoming PWPSD Indigenous Speakers Series
Mar. 11, 2019  PWPSD schools welcome basketball star Michael Linklater
Sep. 24, 2018  Orange Shirt Day at PWPSD schools – Every Child Matters
Jun. 18, 2018  PWSD schools celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
May. 18, 2018  PWSD schools welcome Grey Cup champion JR LaRose during FNMI school tour
Sept. 25, 2017 Orange Shirt Day at PWPSD schools
Jun. 19, 2017  PWSD schools celebrate National Aboriginal Day
Mar. 08, 2017  Duane Howard of The Revenant set to star in upcoming FNMI school tour 
Mar. 01, 2017  PWPSD’s annual FNMI Scholarship awarded to Spirit River Regional Academy graduate
Sept. 09, 2016  Back-to-back FNMI hockey-themed tours planned for September
June 20, 2016  PWPSD schools celebrate National Aboriginal Day
May 25, 2016  Aboriginal musician Sherryl Sewepagaham to tour PWPSD schools 
Mar. 02, 2016  PWPSD students to be recognized with Aboriginal Youth Role Model Awards
Sept. 17, 2015  Lorne Cardinal, Monique Hurteau to tour PWPSD schools
June 26, 2015  Beaverlodge graduate receives PWPSD's FNMI Scholarship
June 04, 2015  Blue Bird Dance Troupe celebrates National Aboriginal Day with Harry Balfour School
June 04, 2015  PWPSD schools celebrate National Aboriginal Day
Apr. 29, 2015  CFL duo return for second leg of FNMI school tour 
Mar. 30, 2015  Hythe Healthy Initiatives Program receives $6,000 boost
Mar. 04, 2015  PWPSD students to be recognized with Aboriginal Youth Role Model Awards
Oct. 16, 2014   FNMI school tour featuring Cree musicians underway at PWPSD schools