Indigenous Education Services

We work together to carry out the purpose and values of Indigenous Education Services within Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD). 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 foster and strengthen community relationships.

Our framework includes four division-wide positions, including the Indigenous Education Coordinator (team lead), and three Indigenous Services Provider positions that specialize in Indigenous student wellness and education. These roles work directly with schools to meet their unique needs.

Our framework also includes school-based positions, including Indigenous Liaisons at Hythe Regional School and 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.

Purpose:

To support the positive experiences and success of our Indigenous students, while advancing truth and reconciliation in education for all students and staff.

Values:

Support the well-being and academic success of all Indigenous students.
Work with schools to create learning environments that allow for increased understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous peoples.
Increase representation and connection through building and strengthening community relationships.

PWPSD Land Acknowledgement

Peace Wapiti Public School Division acknowledges the land on which we are situated, and recognizes the diverse landscape that shapes our everyday experiences. Our name, Peace Wapiti, pays tribute to two of the many rivers within our boundaries. Our division encompasses numerous waterways, woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas that support a wide range of wildlife and plant life essential for our collective well-being. This beautiful and varied landscape exists within Treaty 8, signed on June 21, 1899.

We are grateful to live, play, and learn on the traditional homelands of this area's diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and Peace Wapiti Public School Division is committed to working together to ensure these lands and its people are cared for and respected as long as the sun shines, grass grows, and rivers flow.

Indigenous-Focused Initiatives at PWPSD

Cree Language and Aboriginal Studies courses are offered at Hythe Regional School
Additional support for specialized classes or projects focusing on Indigenous student success
Annual Recognition Awards and Scholarship Program for graduating students
Increased Indigenous content in classrooms and libraries

Indigenous Guest Speaker Series

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!

Guests share their success stories during PWPSD’s annual school tour. Past Indigenous guest speakers include:

Lorne Cardinal, actor from CTV’s Corner Gas
Linsay Willier, Canada’s Next Top Model finalist
J.R. LaRose, a free safety with the BC Lions, and Jed Roberts, former Edmonton Eskimos linebacker and defensive end
Ashley Callingbull, Miss Canada International 2010, Mrs. Universe 2015
Reggie and Jamie Leach, the only Aboriginal father and son to be listed on the Stanley Cup
Sherryl Sewepagaham, music educator, award-winning musician, and co-founding member of Asani
Monique Hurteau, producer, writer and comedian who appears on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) as a fitness expert
Cree musicians Jason Chamakese and Robert Gladue

Indigenous Student Recognition Awards

PWPSD Virtual Round Dance 2020

Policy Statement on Native Education

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.”

Resources for Staff

Community Connections

Indigenous Education Coordinator (term):

Ashley Tower

Indigenous Services Providers:

Tara Papirnick

Bridgette Schur-Auger

Sheila Payeur

Indigenous Liaisons:

Barb Belcourt
Hythe Regional School
(780) 356-3934

Desiree Peterson

Hythe Regional School
(780) 356-3934

Marlene Letendre
Educational Assistant
Hythe Regional School
(780) 356-3934

Important Dates:

Orange Shirt Day:

Sept. 30

National Day for Truth

and Reconciliation:

Sept. 30

International Inuit Day:

Nov. 7

National Indigenous

Veterans Day:

Nov. 8

Rock Your Mocs Day:

Nov. 15

Métis Week:

Nov. 12-18

Louis Riel Day:

Feb. 19

National Indigenous History Month: June

National Indigenous

Peoples Day:

June 21

Resources

School Year Calendars

Western Cree Tribal Council

Newsletters