Indigenous News

Indigenous News

Updates and Reminders

 

January 2023

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

ASBA Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards | Deadline: Feb. 3, 2023
Submissions are now open for the 2023 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards! Nomination packages in both English and French are available online. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 3, 2023. Hosted by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA), these awards celebrate exceptional First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, nominated by members of their education communities, based on their exemplary leadership, courage and commitment to their cultures and educational paths. Last year, ASBA received over 200 unique nomination letters and submissions from across the province. Students may be nominated by other students, teachers, principals, superintendents, education directors, trustees, school staff, Elders or a member of the education community. Watch past student recipients speak about why these awards are so special. If you’re interested in having your child nominated, connect with your school’s administration or Mrs. Rice to begin the process. 


Family Gatherings | February, April and June
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team will be hosting family gatherings again, but we’ll be in person this year. Gatherings are a time in the evening when we can meet together to share, learn and connect. All family members are welcome and dinner will be provided at all gatherings. More details and registration will be shared with families closer to each event, but for planning purposes, the dates are as follows:

  • Thursday, February 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.
    • Explore the Indigenous Peoples’ Giant Floor Map (hosted at James Mowat Elementary, Fort Saskatchewan)
  • Thursday, April 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Art with Métis knowledge holder Connie Kuhlhavy (hosted at EIPS Central Services, Sherwood Park)
  • Thursday, June 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Land-based Learning (hosted at EIPS Central Services land-based learning space, Sherwood Park)

Cultural Programs | Late Winter and Spring
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team is busy working with Elders and knowledge holders to plan a variety of cultural learning experiences for students and families. More details will be shared as plans are finalized, but know there are many exciting opportunities coming soon!

Direct Student Support

Study Help for Métis students Rupertsland Institute has secured access to Alberta ExamBank for K-12 Métis students to test their understanding through online practice. Métis students can sign up for the RECC Room to find the login for their MNA Region. Questions? Contact education@rupertsland.org.


Métis Nation of Alberta Outstanding Youth Award | Deadline: Jan. 30, 2023

Do you know an outstanding Métis youth in your community who you’d like to nominate for the 2023 Outstanding Métis Youth Award? Fill out the submission form by January 30. The nominee must be between the ages of 12-29 and must be a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta.  For more information, email youth@metis.org

Resources of Interest

Beautiful Michif Album

Métis singer/songwriter/actress Andrea Menard recently released her latest album, Anskoonamakew lii Shansoon, meaning Giveaway Songs. The collection of 10 songs are sung in and translated into the different languages and dialects of Michif people and are a way for Andrea to help share and preserve the Michif language. The songs can be streamed from a variety of platforms. A short video, the album and the lyric sheets are available on her website. Did you know: EIPS teacher Shelly Grauman’s daughter, Tai Amy Grauman, is a Métis playwright, and a song from one of her plays is included in the collection? Amazing talent!

 

At-home Supports for Métis Youth and Families

Are you a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA)? The MNA Children and Family Services team offers a variety of supports, programs and resources at no cost to citizens.   

 

Opportunity for Youth in the Fort Saskatchewan Area

The Indigenous Society of Fort Saskatchewan is offering powwow teaching for youth in the community.
    Wednesdays, Jan. 25 to June 14, 2023
    6 to 7:30 p.m.
    No classes March 29 or May 10
    Location: TBD

 

Spaces are available for 25 girls and 25 boys. There will be a performance during the MMIWG2S Gathering at Legacy Park on May 5. Register by emailing isfortsask@yahoo.com

 

Winter Land Learning at Métis Crossing

Whether you and your kids are outdoor enthusiasts or like to keep busy and warm indoors, one thing is true, Metis Crossing has it all. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating rink and so much more! Enjoy our signature, locally sourced barista coffee at the Bistro in the Lodge or indulge in Métis-inspired lunches at the Cultural Gathering Centre. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 780-656-2229 or visit metiscrossing.com.  

 

U of A First Peoples’ House Annual Round Dance | January 28

The University of Alberta and First Peoples’ House will host their annual Round Dance to honour grads on January 28.
    Saturday, January 28
    University of Alberta Main Gym, Van Vliet Complex
    Doors open: 4 p.m.
    Round Dance: 5 to 11 p.m.
    Event poster
The event will be hosted by MCs Cornell Tootoosis and Adrian Lachance and feature stickmen Lyle Tootoosis and Colin Raine and firekeeper Kyson Morin. Parking is available at the Education or Stadium parkade for $5.50. For more information, call 780-492-5677 or email FPH@ualberta.ca

 

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society: Community Round Dance | February 4

The Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and Women Building Futures will host an Honouring the Community Round Dance on February 4.
    Saturday, February 4
    Alberta Aviation Museum
    2 to 10 p.m.
    Facebook event
    Event poster
The event will be hosted by MC Elmer Rattlesnake and feature stickman Rocky Morin. For more information, contact the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society at 780-481-3451, extension 0. 

 

Local Cultural Workshops

Elders and knowledge holders are busy preparing courses for the community, offered through Michif Cultural Connections in St Albert. On February 10, knowledge holder and bead artist Connie Kulhavy will offer a class on beaded hearts. Visit the Michif Cultural Connections Facebook page for all upcoming events, workshops and gatherings and for details on how to register. 

 

Metis ALIVE in Beaumont offers a wide variety of wonderful cultural workshops with local Elders and knowledge holders. The next course, sewing traditional mittens with Elder Joyce Beaver, takes place February 11. Visit the Metis ALIVE Facebook page for more details. 



Our Outdoor Classroom

Outdoor Classroom

Our Outdoor Classroom is located at the back of Lakeland Ridge School.  It is a place for students, staff and community members to gather to enjoy land-based learning.  Special thank you to our Councillor Dave Anderson and Strathcona County.

Please check it out!

Treaty 6 Mural

We have installed a new mural in the front entryway of the school.  The purpose of the mural is to acknowledge and increase awareness of Treaty 6 territory in our school.

Past News

November 2021

Indigenous Veterans Day | Monday, November 8
See the Resources of Interest below for a list of possible resources.

 

Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Engagement Sessions - Sherwood Park/Fort Saskatchewan | November 9, 5-9 p.m.


Make your voice heard at the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution gathering for Métis citizens in the Fort Saskatchewan and Sherwood Park area on November 9. No previous knowledge or expertise needed! All area MNA citizens aged 16 and older are welcome and encouraged to join in, listen, learn and give feedback. “Our ancestors fought and died for the freedom to live as Otipemisiwak, to own ourselves. Now’s our time to realize their dream and choose the right path for our people.” Register

 

Rock Your Mocs | November 14-20
Rock Your Mocs Day is November 15. Wear your moccasins with pride on this day and every day!

 

Métis Week | November 14-21
Métis Nation of Alberta and Rupertsland Institute have been creating resources for Métis Week 2021. Resources for schools and families are available through Rupertsland Institute’s RECC RoomCreate a free account and gain access to the webinar and a vast collection of Métis resources you can access with your family at home—including archived recordings of Métis artist Leah Dorion sharing stories and art projects and the new art series with Angie Hall.

 

Direct Student Support

 

Is your child in Grade 12 and looking to move on to post-secondary education? There are a variety of scholarships, bursaries and grants available to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to attend trade school, college or university. Talk to your child’s lead teacher for more information or support in filling out applications.

 

MNA Resources From skills courses to wellness kits, discover all the MNA Youth Services has to offer free to all Métis ages 12-29. The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) has a variety of other family support services, including health, housing and entrepreneurship.

 

Study Help for Métis students Rupertsland Institute has secured access to Alberta ExamBank for K-12 Métis students to test their understanding through online practice. Métis students can sign up for the RECC Room to find the login for their MNA Region. Questions? Contact education@rupertsland.org.

 

Jordan’s Principle Learn more about Jordan’s Principle and the funding supports available for First Nations children—visit the Assembly of First Nations and Government of Canada resources.

Questions? Have questions about your child’s learning? Please reach out to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education lead teacher at your child’s school. We’re here to engage with you and offer supports to students. Harlee McArthur, EIPS First Nations, Métis and Inuit Family School Liaison Worker, is also available for conversation and to offer supports to children and families.

 

Resources of Interest

 

Indigenous Veterans Day

Here are some possible resources to learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit veterans.

 

Global TV Story
In September, Global National was at Glen Allan Elementary filming for a story for their current affairs TV show, “The New Reality.” Various people were involved in the filming including Glen Allan students and teachers along with Elder Wilson Bearhead and Superintendent Mark Liguori. Thank you to Glen Allan for hosting and making everyone feel welcome. The segment aired on Global’s “The New Reality” program on October 30. If you missed it, you can watch the video or read the online piece.

 

The U of A Faculty of Native Studies is offering online courses that can be taken by university students or community members. Two winter semester courses that may be of interest are “Indigenous Peoples & Technoscience” and “Countering Stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples.”

 

Interested in learning about Indigenous sports role models with your family in a COVID-safe, online format? An invitation to you from our friends at Roots of Resilience.

We’re so excited to be back at it for a second year of speakers series kicking off with the fall series “Indspired Through Sports,” providing an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous resilience and success. You may wish to register for the remaining online sessions.

This speakers series will feature six incredible Indigenous athletes with different sports and backgrounds. From Bullriding to Dance we’ll hear of their motivations, their setbacks and what pushes them to continue to strive for greatness. This series is going to be a great opportunity for students to get a look into what these professional athletes have gone through to get to where they are today and give a new outlook at the many possibilities sports can open up to youth! The series will also help teachers and adults see first-hand the importance of sports as an avenue to responsibility and success.

 

Upcoming speakers and dates:

  • November 4: Mathew Rathbone (Hockey)

  • November 12: Sonya Dodginghorse (Barrel Racing)

  • November 18: Angie Lightning (the importance of sports for youth)

Tickets are available online (one price for the whole family).