First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Success

Wolf Creek Public Schools aligns with the Ministry of Education’s focus on improving student engagement and achievement among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in the areas of academics with a specific focus on literacy to close the gap for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in student achievement, retention in school, graduation rates, and advancement to postsecondary studies.

The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit portfolio is housed in Inclusive Learning Services and as a division supports developing a holistic understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, worldviews, histories, and current realities. Schools that embody effective principles and practices of inclusion coordinate and unify education programs and supports in order to ensure that all students belong and can learn effectively. This approach fosters relationships that welcome, nurture and honor individual student’s stories and cultures and encourage the blending of both culture and curriculum to strengthen the learning for all students.

Wolf Creek Public Schools is committed to collaboration with students,staff, district office staff, interagency partners, Maskwacis First Nations community members, Métis and Inuit organizations, and stakeholders to develop strategies, resources, programs and initiatives that support student success in and out of school.

As a publicly funded school jurisdiction, the Division has a provincial mandate to offer programs to its resident students. Based on the requirements of the School Act, the Division will admit non-resident students who apply, if there are sufficient resources and facilities available to accommodate them.

• Administrative Procedure 301 - Admission of Non-Resident Students

Factors that impact acceptance are:

• Available space,
• classroom make up,
• programming options, and
• staffing.

Existing students:

• Returning students will be given priority; however, they must be registered by June 15^th.
• A review of student acceptance for returning students will only be reviewed if there are concerns in any of the following areas:  safety issues at the school, chronic attendance issues, lack of parental/guardian support and partnership, on-going discipline issues, and unpaid school fees.
• School fees must be paid before the start of each school year for non-resident students.  If fee payment is a barrier, the family must meet with Administration to make alternate arrangements regarding fee payment.

New Students:

• Must complete the online registration process.
• Once the applications are submitted, there will be a committee, consisting of representation from all three schools and WCPS District Office, who will review the applications.  After the committee makes their decision, parents will be notified.
• The Application Review Process will include gathering information on the following:
  • The committee contacting the student’s previous school regarding academic and school history.
  • Required additional learning supports.
  • Safety Risks:  gang involvement, violence, use or distribution of illegal substances.
• Academic success is not a determining factor in the application process. Indicators such as effort, attendance, ethical behavior, and attitude are all taken into consideration.
• Application Process:
  • Click here to begin your application
  • Please visit the website of the school where you child is interested in attending to complete the online school registration. Both the School Registration Form and Student Information Form must be completed and submitted to the school to begin the intake process.

If you have any questions, please contact the Administration at the school where your child is interested in attending.

Acceptance

• After the committee has completed the selection process, parents and students will be notified.
• Notification will indicate acceptance, and outline any conditions, such as, attendance, fees, parent involvement etc.
• WCPS is NOT responsible for transporting non-resident cross-boundary students.  The families must make those arrangements with Maskwacis Transport.

Wolf Creek Public Schools is committed to collaboration with parents, students,staff, interagency partners, Maskwacis First Nations community members, Métis and Inuit organizations, and stakeholders to develop strategies, resources, programs and initiatives that support student success in and out of school.

Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries

The following Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries are available to First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. 

Awards

• The Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements of Aboriginal youth and share their successes with others from across the Province. There are eight categories and two Aboriginal youth will be selected from each.
• The "Lead Your Way" National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Youth aged 13 to 30. "Lead Your Way" inspires Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals.
• ConocoPhillips Canada presents awards annually to Aboriginal students who demonstrate hard work and dedication in pursuit of higher learning. Efforts can include upgrading their secondary education or entering a post-secondary program. Awards are granted on a yearly basis and may be used to cover portions of tuition, books or living expenses.  

Scholarships, Bursaries & Funding

Maskwacis

Alberta Education in partnership with the ATA and other provincial organizations have designed Teacher Quality and Leadership Quality Standards.

“The revision of this resource, the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) and the complementary development of a school Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) (principal, vice-principal) and subsequent Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard (superintendent, associate superintendent) will heighten public assurance about the quality of education in Alberta and emphasize our shared commitment to develop the conditions necessary for optimal student learning for every student in every Alberta school.” (Teaching Quality and school Leadership Quality Standards - Alberta Education, January 17, 2018)

In the Teaching Quality Standard document there are specific standards regarding the professional practice expectations for meeting the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.

The following resources from various sources provide teachers with support for meeting the Teaching Quality Standards.

General

• Land Acknowledgement
• Treaty 6 Traditional Land Acknowledgement
• Indigenous Arts & Stories Competition
• National Aboriginal Day - AANDC

Classroom Instruction

• Circle of Courage
• Dr. Martin Brokenleg
• Empowering the Spirit
• First Nations Films
• FNMI Literacy and Numeracy Promising Practices
• Guiding Voices
• Learn Alberta
• Literacy Seed
• National Film Board
• Our Words, Our Ways:  Teaching First Nations, Metis and Inuit Learners
• Their Voices Will Guide Us
• Walking Together

Foundational Knowledge

• Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
• Aboriginal Day Live (APTN)
• Accessing Elder Support Across the Division
• Alberta Education - Overview and Role
• APTN.ca
• Assembly of First Nations
• ATA FNMI Resource Page
• Education is our Buffalo - ATA
• Empowering the Spirit
• First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Professional Learning
• FNMI Collaborative Framework: Building Relationships
• Four Directions Teachings
• Incorporating Indigenous Practices Into Your Classroom Kit
• Indigenous Peoples - Historica Canada
• Moving Forward: Implementing FNMI Collaborative Frameworks
• National Screen Institute - I'm Not the Indian You Had in Mind
• Our Way is a Valid Way - Educator Resource
• Our Words, Our Ways:  Teaching First Nations, Metis and Inuit Learners
• Provincial FNMI Professional Learning Project
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Walking Together

Literacy Supports

• Cree Language Materials
• Online Cree Dictionary