In her annual report to the Board, Indigenous Education Coordinator Brigitte Benning noted that the name of the former First Nations, Métis, Inuit Program was updated to Indigenous Education Services in the Spring of 2019. She has developed a PWPSD Indigenous Education Services booklet that can be used to inform new and existing staff about available supports and resources.
Her report included an overview of the percentage of First Nation, Métis and Inuit student populations across the division.
In the fall, Ms. Benning conducted individual and group meetings with PWPSD school administrators and the 14-member Indigenous Liaison team to share the overall Indigenous Education Services vision and changes, and to discuss school’s visions for Indigenous Education while adhering to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Alberta Education’s Leadership Quality Standard. Future plans include an updated website and continued action planning with the PWPSD Administrative Advisory Committee for Indigenous Education.
Ms. Benning said the creation of a Tri-District Partnership with the two other local school divisions was a highlight of the year, bringing about a number of exciting initiatives for students. In the fall, partnership members each sent 150 students to see Juno-nominated Inuk pop artist Kelly Fraser at GPRC’s Student Welcoming Celebration. On Orange Shirt Day 2019, each district sent 30 students to an event hosted by the Grande Prairie Friendship Center featuring traditional teachings from an Elder, three keynotes, and a memorial bench unveiling.
The Engaged in the Future Project, focusing on Indigenous students from Horse Lake First Nation and Kelly Lake who attend Beaverlodge Regional High School, was supported by an Innovative First Nations Education Grant acquired through PWPSD Assistant Superintendent Heather Putio to provide additional opportunities for relationship-building, including student gatherings and connecting with GPRC to support their transition to post-secondary education.
Ms. Benning worked with the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services (GPACOS) to develop community resources for Land Acknowledgment and Working with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Future plans include developing a PWPSD Smudging Resource.
Ms. Benning also provides classroom presentations and school-based professional development, connects staff with Indigenous professional development opportunities, and presents at conferences and events, including the 2019 Mighty Peace Teachers’ Convention and the Mamawhitowin Conference. This school year, she launched a monthly newsletter for schools and a district book review resource, and met with school councils on request.
She added that Indigenous Education Services within PWPSD is a team effort, highlighting the important roles of Indigenous Liaisons, the Indigenous Education Administration Advisory Committee, passionate staff, and the community's Knowledge Keepers. Indigenous Liaisons are using innovative methods to remain in contact with their students during the period of home learning.
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