Services and Supports » Curriculum and Instruction » Indigenous Education Services

Indigenous Education Services

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: 

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

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 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 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.

 

Click here to watch a short video and meet our divisional team!

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
 
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
The Indigenous Student Recognition Awards celebrate our outstanding graduate students. There are two award categories that students can be nominated for:
  • The Post-Secondary Bursary for Indigenous Student Leadership
  • The Seven Sacred Teachings Indigenous Student Recognition Award
Indigenous Student Leadership   7 Sacred Teachings
PWPSD Virtual Round Dance 2020
 

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.
Jun. 21, 2019  National Indigenous Peoples Day at Harry Balfour School
Jun. 18, 2019  PWPSD schools celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
Sept. 29, 2016  Orange Shirt Day event at Hythe Regional School
June 04, 2015  Blue Bird Dance Troupe celebrates National Aboriginal Day with Harry Balfour School
Apr. 20, 2015   Beaverlodge, Hythe Schools host second Kelly Lake meet and greet
Apr. 15, 2015   Beaverlodge, Hythe Schools host second Horse Lake meet and greet 
Oct. 15, 2014   Beaverlodge Regional High School hosts Horse Lake meet and greet
 
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
Sept. 25, 2019 Local schools to celebrate Orange Shirt Day because "Every Child Matters", Reach FM
Sept. 20, 2019 Juno nominee to perform at GPRC during welcome event, 2day FM
Sept. 20, 2019 Indigenous artist Kelly Fraser entertaining students, Daily Herald Tribune
June 28, 2019 Rural high school students try on design thinking, problem-solving and collaboration at Indigenous Youth Forum, University of Calgary
May 06, 2019 Next installment of Indigenous speakers series combines history with messages of pride, 2day FM
May 01, 2019 'Metis Bev' presenting at Peace Wapiti schools, Daily Herald Tribune
Apr. 26, 2019 PWPSD Indigenous Speakers Series welcomes "Metis Bev", Reach FM
Apr. 07, 2019 Indigenous Speakers Series turns attention to post-secondary transition, Everything GP
Apr. 05, 2019 Indigenous speakers hope to encourage students' post-secondary dreams, 2day FM
Mar. 13, 2019 Indigenous basketball start touring PWPSD, Everything GP
Mar. 11, 2019 PWPSD schools welcome Michael Linklater, Reach FM
Mar. 11, 2019 Indigenous hoops start hopes to leave lasting impact on students, 2day FM
Sept. 26, 2017 Cree musician returning for FNMI school tour, Central Peace Signal
Mar. 20, 2017 Star of 'The Revenant' inspires local students, 2day FM
Mar. 09, 2017 Revenant actor starts in FNMI tour, Daily Herald Tribune
Mar. 07, 2017 "The Revenant" start to tour Peace Country Schools, 2day FM
Mar. 05, 2017 Aboriginal Youth awards presented, Daily Herald Tribune
Sept. 13, 2016 FNMI Tour with Stanley Cup winners continues, Big Country 93.1 FM
Sept. 13, 2016 Stanley Cup winners touring Peace Country schools this week, Q99 FM
Sept. 12, 2016 Stanley Cup winners back for second tour of Peace Region schools, 2day FM
Sept. 11, 2016 FNMI hockey-themed school tours returning to PWPSD, Daily Herald Tribune
June 27, 2016 Horse Lake First Nation honours student achievements, Daily Herald Tribune
June 21, 2016 Peace Region celebrating 20th National Aboriginal Day, 2day FM
June 21, 2016 Tuesday is National Aboriginal Day, Big Country 93.1 FM
June 21, 2016 Local events coming up for National Aboriginal Day, Q99 FM
Mar. 08, 2016 Aboriginal youth honoured at Spirit Seekers Youth Conference, 2day FM
Mar. 02, 2016 Spirit Seekers Youth Conference this weekend in GPRC, Q99 FM
Mar. 02, 2016 Spirit Seekers Youth Conference this weekend in GPRC, Big Country 93.1 FM
Sept. 25, 2015 FNMI TV figures offer advice to students, 2day FM
Sept. 23, 2015 Hurteau, Cardinal meeting with Peace Country kids, Big Country 93.1 FM
Sept. 18, 2015 More FNMI role models visiting Peace region schools, 2day FM
Sept. 18, 2015 Lorne Cardinal, Monique Hurteau to tour PWPSD schools, Q99 Live
Sept. 17, 2015 Cardinal, Hurteau to visit PWPSD schools next week, Big Country 93.1 FM
Apr. 06, 2015 Hythe snack program gets funding boost, Daily Herald Tribune
Mar. 09, 2015 Aboriginal youth role models recognized, Daily Herald Tribune
Oct. 30, 2014 Duo shares culture with students, Daily Herald Tribune
Indigenous Education Coordinator:
 
Brigitte Benning
 
 
Indigenous Services Providers:
 
Rachelle Bell
 
Meghan Badger
 
Alisha Lambert
 
Sheila Payeur
 
 
Indigenous Liaisons:
 
Travis Letendre
Beaverlodge Regional
High School
(780) 354-2189
 
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
Peoples Day:
June 21