Elementary school responds by bringing in elder in response to bullying

April 6, 2022
After Tyburious Saddleback, a Grade 2 student at Ponoka Elementary School, was bullied for having his long hair in braids and expressed his desire to cut his hair, staff took action by having Montana First Nation elder Sheila Potts speak to his class. Potts spoke to the class about the significance that long hair and braids has in their culture. “In my teaching it’s because it’s family unity and you’re intertwining your family together,” said Potts. “I told them that our ancestors had long, beautiful hair.

Lakehead, Trent, Queen’s, UTM raise Indigenous structures, symbols on campus

September 20, 2023
Lakehead University, Trent University Durham, Queen’s University, and the University of Toronto Mississauga have introduced Indigenous-focused spaces and symbols to their campuses. Lakehead held a National Truth and Reconciliation Flag Raising ceremony on its campus to honour the survivors of Canada’s residential and day school system. “This is an incredibly important location. There are many First Nations in this large geographic area and we want to be inclusive of all of them at the university and come together as often as we can,” said Lakehead President Gillian Siddall.

Gakinaamaage, Winnipeg school divisions explore temporary relocation of teachers to staff First Nations schools

September 6, 2023
A charity called Teach For Canada — Gakinaamaage is hoping to temporarily bring teachers from Winnipeg to work in First Nations schools. The group is working with several school boards–including Seven Oaks School Division and Winnipeg School Division–to establish frameworks that would allow teachers to keep their jobs, seniority, and/or benefits with the school division while they temporarily relocate to band council-run schools in northern communities. The First Nation would reimburse the school board for borrowing the teacher, who would stay in the community for at least two years.

YK invests in student support initiatives, creates 81 new full-time student support positions

August 23, 2023
The Government of Yukon has announced two initiatives to improve student learning and wellbeing over the next three years. The territory is investing $1M into student support initiatives and resources, including culturally appropriate supports. Part of the funds will be used in partnership with YK First Nations governments to hire Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and other community leaders. YK is also creating 81 full-time student support positions over the next three years, which will include school wellness counsellors, education assistants, and learning assistance teachers.

BC invests in language fluency programs, First Nations institutes, Métis postsecondary model

August 9, 2023
The Government of British Columbia recently made two investments into Indigenous postsecondary education. BC has made a $23.4M investment over the next three years into Indigenous-led postsecondary education programs, training, and supports: $20.1M of the funding will go toward First Nations-mandated institutes, $3M will go toward First Nations language-fluency degrees, and $340K will go toward the Chief Joe Mathias British Columbia Aboriginal Scholarship Fund.

Bridging Classrooms to Communities pilot program receives $10.5M to improve Indigenous student outcomes

July 26, 2023
Alberta Education is piloting the Bridging Classrooms to Communities (BCC) program, which intends to build relationships between Indigenous partners and local school authorities. The program aims to improve First Nations, Metis, and Inuit student educational outcomes and opportunities by helping organizations build relationships with local school authorities and supporting the hiring of community connection workers.

CPA Western School of Business offers CPA education reflecting Indigenous experience

July 12, 2023
Indigenous CPA candidates will have a new opportunity to study a CPA curriculum that includes case studies inspired by Indigenous traditions. The CPA Western School of Business Indigenous education program uses Indigenous business cases that are designed by Indigenous CPAs. The program also offers in-person learning opportunities, multiple satellite locations, opportunities for peer learning and support, and more. This gives Indigenous CPA students the opportunity to see themselves within the curriculum and addresses the institutional barriers presented by the accounting profession.

Schools celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 28, 2023
In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, schools across Canada held special events to celebrate Indigenous culture and provide unique learning opportunities for students and community members. Xavier Junior High students in Newfoundland and Labrador gathered to attend a truth and reconciliation ceremony and worked with Mi'kmaq artist Marcus Gosse to paint two murals outside of the school. In Ontario, Queen’s University celebrated the grand opening of Tipi Moza Transitional Housing, which will provide affordable housing options to First Nation, Metis, and Inuit families.

Schools recognize, celebrate National Indigenous History Month

June 14, 2023
Schools across Canada are celebrating National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous People’s Day with a variety of events and new initiatives. The University of New Brunswick hosted a circle discussion with Indigenous community members and local health service providers to discuss accessibility, inclusion, and support for Indigenous students. The Upper Canada District School Board announced the launch of new teaching resources and a virtual celebration in order to help schools increase learning opportunities about Indigenous peoples and culture.

NWT releases Educator Training Plans

May 31, 2023
In the most recent step toward its transition to British Columbia’s JK-12 curriculum, the Government of the Northwest Territories has released its 2023-2024 Educator Training Plans. The plans indicate that educators, support staff, new NWT educators, education bodies, and school principals will take part in dedicated training sessions throughout the 2023-24 school year to become familiar with the foundational parts of the curriculum and assessment tools.

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