A partnership joining the Werklund School of Education, Peace Wapiti Public School Division and Pembina Pipeline Corporation is helping to create new ways of learning in northern Alberta. It’s all in part of a creation of school programming that highlights the needs and values of the Horse Lake First Nation community.
With a $600,000 donation over six years from Pembina, the three began by initiating and building positive and trusting relationships in the district.
There are now four programs based on community input and each aims to enhance student experience and build teacher capacity. They were introduced during the 2023-2024 school year.
The idea is to provide inclusive experiences to Indigenous students while also reconstructing how educators manage involvement with Indigenous communities and content in the classroom.
“The way the division is working really shows knowledge and respect for Indigenous protocols and practices,” says Dr. Jennifer Markides, PhD’20, project lead and SSHRC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Indigenous Youth Wellbeing and Education. “The Indigenous Education Support Team has become quite strong and is using the Pembina funds for rich learning experiences that the students want.”
In addition to a Cree Language Series during which students strengthen fluency and participate in cultural practices, the Pembina funding helped to initiate a year-long beading program that offers Grade 12 students the chance to craft traditional pieces for their high school graduation, including beaded eagle feather holders, moccasins and mortarboards.
Graduates across the division are recognized at the Indigenous Student Graduation Ceremony. Outstanding pupils are publicly honoured with the presentation of The Academic Achievement Award to Indigenous Student Leadership and The Seven Sacred Teachings Award during the celebration.
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