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Initiatives in Aboriginal Education S u r v e y R e s u l t s - J u n e 2 0 1 5 1

Initiatives in Aboriginal Education S u r v e y R e s u l t s - J u n e 2 0 1 52

Introduction Page3

TheBorderLandSchoolDivision Page3

TheBrandonSchoolDivision Pages4-5

TheEvergreenSchoolDivision Pages6-7

TheFlinFlonSchoolDivisionFortlaBosseSchoolDivision Page8-9

FortlaBosseSchoolDivision Pages10

TheHanoverSchoolDivision Page11

TheInterlakeSchoolDivision Pages12-13

TheKelseySchoolDivision Page14

TheLordSelkirkSchoolDivision Pages15-23

TheLouisRielSchoolDivision Page24

TheParkWestSchoolDivision Page25

ThePembinaTrailsSchoolDivision Pages26-28

ThePortagelaPrairieSchoolDivision Pages29-31

ThePrairieRoseSchoolDivision Page32

TheRedRiverValleySchoolDivision Page33

TheRiverEastTransconaSchoolDivision Page34

TheRollingRiverSchoolDivision Page35

TheSt.James-AssiniboiaSchoolDivision Page36

TheSeineRiverSchoolDivision Page37

TheSevenOaksSchoolDivision Pages38-40

TheSouthwestHorizonSchoolDivision Page41

TheSunriseSchoolDivision Page42

TheTurtleMountainSchoolDivision Page43

WesternSchoolDivision Page44

TheWinnipegSchoolDivision Pages45-48


Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities

Description of program/initiative:• Purchaseofleveledandculturallyappropriatebooksforusebothincurriculumareasaswellasgeneralbooksforthe

schoollibraries• SeveralvisualresourceswerepurchasedandusedinELAandHistorycoursestoengagevisuallearners.• Nativestudiescoursewasofferedthroughthealternativeeducationcentre• ConsiderationgiventoteachingcoursesatGinewSchoolforadultlearnerstoavoidtransportationconstraints• Severalculturalspeakersandartistsintheschoolwerebroughtintotheschoolsforculturalexperiences• Abreakfastandlunchprogramwasdevelopedinseveralschoolstoenhanceapositivelearningenvironment• Familieswereinvolvedinplanningandimplementingagroceryshoppingexcursiontoplanforhealthymealchoices–

throughthedivisionalsocialworker• Professionalstaff,trainedinReadingrecovery,washiredtocomeinparttimetoworkwithstudentsgrades2to

10onreadingwritingandcomprehension–ledtoincreasedattendance,increaseinself-esteem,greaterteachercollaboration

• Differentiatedinstructiontrainingtoimproveclassroominstructiontomeetmoreneedsofaboriginalstudents• Opengymnightsoccurtocreateapositiverelationshipwiththeschool

Contact:KristaCurry,SuperintendentandCarolBraun,AssistantSuperintendentEmail:[email protected]@borderland.caTel:204-324-6491

TheManitobaSchoolBoardsAssociationhascompiledinformationaboutsuccessfulprogramsorinitiativesinAboriginaleducationthathavebeenimplementedinManitobapublicschools.Thepurposeofthissurveyistocollectdatathatcanbesharedwithschooldivisionsacrosstheprovince,sothattheycanlearnfromeachother’sexperiencesandsharebestpracticesthatmayleadtoimprovedoutcomesforalllearners.



Description of program/initiative:• NativeEldersProgram• AboriginalCounsellor• BSSAPProgram(BuildingStudentSuccesswithAboriginal

Parents)• CommunitySchoolsPartnershipInitiative(CSPI)• DaycareSpeechProgram• FindingMyWay• AboriginalAcademicAchievement(AAA)• TeacherProfessionalDevelopment

Native Elders Program AneedwasidentifiedbytheBrandonSchoolDivisionthatthereberolemodelsaccessibletostudentsandtoassistinprovidingknowledgeofanAboriginalCulturalperspectivewithintheclassroomsandwithincurriculumdevelopmentandotherrelevantdocuments.SincetheimplementationoftheNativeElder’sprogramintheBrandonSchoolDivisiontherehavebeenmanysuccessfulactivities.Thefirstresponsibilitywastocreateaworkingrelationshipwiththeschooladministrationatallschoolsandtocreateapartnershipwiththecounselors.Overtheyears,theElder’sprogramhasbeeninvolvedinmanyareasoftheSchoolDivision.Withintheclassroomtherehavebeenvariouspresentationssuchas:

• Nativehistory;• selfgovernment;• traditionalteachings;• Dakotaphilosophy;• Aboriginalmusicandart;• games;and• dreaminterpretationinpsychologyclasses.

Aboriginal Counsellor WehaveoneAboriginalCounsellorwhoprovidesdirectedcounselingforAboriginalstudentsandprovidesfamilysupport.HerworkisfocusedattheK-8level,butisprimarilyatthemiddleyears.Asaresultshedoescarryoverinherprojectworktotheearlyhighschoolyears,andinparticulardoesextensiveworkwithhighriskpre-andearlyteenyouth.

BSSAP Program (Building Student Success with Aboriginal Parents) Theprogramsthathavebeenestablishedhaveassistedinbuildingsolidandconsistentnetworkingrelationshipswithvariedcommunityorganizationssuchas:BrandonFriendshipCentreandYouthCentre,MetisFederation,BrandonUniversity,DOTC/CFS,AssiniboineCommunityCollege,SiouxValleySchool,etc.ThevalueoftheBSSAPgrantisshownintheincreasednumbersofparentandgrandparentinvolvement,alongwithincreasedrequestsforperformances,workshopsandoutofschoolparticipationinourprogramandschool.Thelargercommunityisrecognizingthatthisisaprojectthatmodelsmoreinclusiveeducation,theimportanceofculturetoidentityandtheimportanceoftheinvolvementofparentsandcommunity.Ongoingprogramsinclude:• B.A.S.I.C.(BuildingAboriginalStudentIdentityCircles);• BoysDrumming;• RoundDanceHandDrummingandSinging;• GirlsHandDrummingandTraditionalSinging;• Girls/Mother/GrandmotherClub;


• Weekly“CommunityPowwow”Dancing;• AwasisakPowwow;• BSSAPAboriginalParentCircles;• HealthyKidsClubandDiabetesAwareness;and• Communityactivitiesandperformances.

Community Schools Partnership Initiative (CSPI) TheCommunitySchoolPartnershipInitiative(CSPI)isdesignedtosupportschoolsinlowsocio-economiccommunitiesenhancingeducationoutcomesbydevelopingandstrengtheningpartnerships.TheCSPIismeanttobealong-termefforttoencouragefamilies,organizationsandschoolstoworktogethertoimprovestudents’successandstrengthencommunities.Communityschoolsstrengthentheparent/schoolrelationshipandencourageawiderangeofactivityinaneighbourhood.Parents,community,students,andservicedeliveryagenciescometogetherinthecommunityschool’swelcomingenvironment,nurturingagreatersenseofinter-dependenceandcommunityspirit.Theschoolprovidesagatheringplacewhereadultsandchildrenareprovidedopportunitiesforeducation,social,culturalandrecreationalactivities.

Daycare Speech ProgramBrandonSchoolDivisionprovidesSpeechLanguagePathology(SLP)servicestothreedaycares,twoofwhichareoperatedbyAboriginalsupportagencies.Throughouttheyear,aSpeechLanguagePathologistprovidesdiagnosticservicestothedaycares.Additionally,twoSLPEducationAssistantsprovideregularinterventionforalloftheparticipantsoftheprogram.

Finding My Way AnewinitiativewasdevelopedatHarrisonMiddleSchool–nowmovedtoNewEra,andexpandedintoGeorgeFittonandKingGeorgeSchool,tokeepMiddleYearsstudentsengagedwithschool.FindingMyWayfocusesonthepersonaldevelopmentofstudentsusingtraditionalperspectives,conceptsandtoolsfromAboriginalcommunities.Ithashadpositiveinitialresultsandisshowingfurthersuccesswiththeexpansionoftheprogramthisyear.

Aboriginal Academic Achievement (AAA) • Atthehighschoollevel,arangeofprogramdeliveryoptionsprovidedirectsupportsfortheacademicprogressof

students.Additionaldirectsupportisprovidedthroughafull-timeAAAWorkerateachhighschool.Theservicemodelvariesfromschooltoschoolbasedonthestrengthsoftheindividuals–fromdirectEducationalAssistantsupportintheclassrooms,facilitationofaccesstoschoolandcommunityresources,homeliaisonandattendancemonitoringsupport.Thismodelhasprovidedsomeparticularsuccesswithouryounger,grade9and10students.

• Additionalsupportfromthisgrantiscurrentlyprovidedtofourofourcoreareaschoolstoprovideadditionalacademicsupports,primarilyaroundliteracyatthegrade3and4levels.Trendsinourassessmentresultsindicatethatwearehavingsuccessinthisarea.TheDivisionprovidesadditionalresourcestohaveLiteracySupportProgramsinallofourschools.Whiletheinitiativehasresultedinsignificantgrowthformanystudents,ithasprovidedforsignificantgrowthforstudents,inparticularouryoungmaleAboriginalstudents.

• Ouroff-campusinitiativeforhighschoolstudentshasencouragedmanyolderAboriginalstudentstore-engagewithhighschool.Currentlywehave,intherangeof,fourty-fivepercent(45%)ofourover200studentswithAboriginalbackgrounds.Ofthestudentswhocontinuewiththeprogram,eightypercent(80%)ofmoreoftheAboriginalstudentsaregraduating,actuallyatastatisticallysignificanthigherratethanournon-Aboriginalstudents.

Teacher Professional Development WearecurrentlywrappingupyeartwoinourimplementationoftheManitobaEducationdocument“FromCulturalAwarenesstoCulturalCompetency”.Thetraininghasfocusedonintegratingaboriginalperspectives/issuesintoregularcurriculumasrecommendedbyManitobaEducation.Wetrainedtwelvestaffas“Trainers”inthe2009/2010schoolyear.TohavemaximumimpactDivisionally,andtoensurethatthe“trainers”arenotoverwhelmedwehavebuiltEarlyYears,MiddleYearsandSeniorYearsteamsofthreeprofessionalstaffeach.Thisyear’ssessionsweredeliveredinNovember/December2010withfollowupsessionsApril/Mayof2011.

Contact:Name:GregMalazdrewicz,AssociateSuperintendentE-mail:[email protected]:204-729-3105


Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other–ImprovedacademicachievementofAboriginallearnersintheareasofliteracy,numeracyandgraduationrates.

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Education ProgramEachschoolwithinEvergreenSchoolDivisionisinvolvedintheAboriginalEducationProgram.SchoolstaffsupportstheintegrationofAboriginalperspectivesinthecurriculum.Aboriginalawarenessactivitiesandculturalopportunitiesareofferedthroughouttheschoolyear.

Program Vision: Aboriginaleducationisforallstudents.

Program Mission:TopromoteAboriginalperspectivesandimprovesuccessofAboriginalstudentsinthedivision.

The Program Plan Consists of Five Components: IntegrationofAboriginalPerspectiveintotheCurriculum,AboriginalIdentityandBelongingness,AboriginalAwareness,ResourceDevelopmentandCommunication.

Aboriginal Educator:AnAboriginalEducatorworkswithstaffandstudentsinalldivisionschools(8)intheareaofAboriginaleducation.TheAboriginalEducatorprovidesongoingsupportandresourcestostudents,staffandparents.ThiscreatesapositivelearningclimateandsenseofbelongingforAboriginalstudents

Examples of Aboriginal Education Program Initiatives in Evergreen School Division:• EAGLE(EvergreenAboriginalGroupofLeadersinEducation)–Targetsstudentseagertoenrichtheirknowledgeof

Aboriginalculture.Thisdivisionalgroup,opentoallstudents,has4partnerschoolsinvolved(RivertonCollegiate,GimliHighSchool,Dr.GeorgeJohnsonMiddleSchoolandArborgCollegiate).EAGLEisdevotedtoestablishingasenseofcommunityandbelongingnesswhilepromotingAboriginalpridethroughtheprovisionofculturalconnections.Asstudentsenrichtheirownculturalknowledgetheyalsolearnhowtopresenttopicstoyoungerstudentsinearlyandmiddleyearsschools.

• BSSAP(StudentSuccess–APartnershipbetweenAboriginalStudents,ParentsandCommunity)–Thisprogram,offeredatRivertonCollegiate,ischaracterizedbyanongoingefforttoengagestudentsandbuildrelationshipswithparents.Staffsuccessfullyaddressmanychallengeswithregardtocreditcompletion,haveimplementedinnovativeprogramming,culturalworkshopsandincreasedresourceinterventiontoengagestudents.

• Aboriginal Resource Collection –Holdingshavebeencompiledwiththemesandsubjectareas,tocorrespondtocurriculumareasandsupporttheneedsofteachersfromK-12.

• Guest Presenters, Aboriginal Educator and Teachers–ShareculturalwisdomonSevenSacredTeachings,Tipi,MedicineWheel,Sustainability/Land/Watergoodpractices.

• Aboriginal Perspective–Incorporatedintoclassroomsthroughoutallareasofthecurriculumaswellasdivisionalactivities.

• Sharing Circles –Offeredathighschoolswithinthedivision.


• Workshops and Cultural Professional Development for Staff–InareasofTreatyRelations,ResidentialSchools,AboriginalHistory,CulturalAwareness.

• Promote Aboriginal Culture in Literacy Programs–Throughreadingbuddies,guidedreading,vocabularydevelopmentactivities,readingstrategies,Aboriginal-themedshortvideoclipswithreflections,real-lifeconnectionsandmulti-mediaopportunities.

• School Wide Aboriginal Themed Activity Days –Offeredatearlyandmiddleyearsschoolswithinthedivision.

• Comprehensive Plan for Data Collection and Analysis has been Developed–Includesstudentattendance,courseenrollment,graduationrates,drop-outrates,reportcarddata.

• Divisional AAA Committee–Withrepresentationfromeachofthe8schools,committeememberspassoninformationtoteachers,shareideasregardingAboriginalawareness,offerinputregardingstrategiesforimplementationoftheAboriginalprogramandprovidefeedbackregardinginitiatives.

Contact:Name:PennyRoss,AboriginalEducatorE-mail:[email protected]:204-642-8546


Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Creatingpositiverelationshipsbetweenfamilies,communityandstudents.

Description of program/initiative: Building Student Success with Aboriginal ParentsTheorganizingcommitteeismadeupofcommunitymembers,communityagencies,parents,andschooldivisionstaff.Allofourcommitteemembersmeetbi-monthlytoplanandorganizeallofoureventsandactivities.WealsohavetwoFamilyLiaisonWorkersthatareemployedtoworkwithouratriskfamiliesandliaisebetweenschool,family,andcommunityagencies.Thegoalofprovidingtheseactivitiesandeventsisnotonlyencouragingparentsandstudentstotakepartbutalsotohaveschoolstaffparticipateandbuildconnectionswithstudentsandtheirfamilies.

Family Engagement:Christmas and Spring Feasts:Approximately200peoplemadeupofstudentsandtheirfamiliesattendthefeast.FlinFlonSchoolDivisionstaff,administrationandparentspreparedandservedallthefixingsofaChristmasdinnerandSpringpicnic.Olderyouthdocraftsnadoutdooractivitieswithyoungerkids.FoodhampersweredrawnattheendofthedaytohelpfamilieswiththeirChristmasdinners.Almosteveryonereceiveddonateddoorprizesofself-caretypeobjects.Transportationwasprovidedtothisevent.

School based initiatives:Cultural Advisor:ThroughpartnershipwiththeFlinFlonAboriginalFriendshipCentre,weareabletoprovideaholisticCulturalAdvisortoallschools.Thispositionisdesignedtosupportculturalidentity,retention,andawareness.Theadvisorwillspeaktosocialandculturalissues,createandsupportopportunityforlearning,andserveasanambassadorforthosewhostrivetopromoteandvaluediversity.TheAdvisorisavailableforclassroomteachings,schoolevents,andalsofamilyandindividualholisticwork.

Basic Cree Language Program:WehavecreatedthislanguageprogramforourGrade4students.TheywilllearnBasicCreeandBasicFrench,thefollowingyeartheywillhavetheoptiontochoosewhichlanguagetheywouldprefertocontinue.ThisprogramisdesignedtocontinueonwithstudentsuntilitreachesGrade8,theneverystudentfromGrade4-8willhavetheopportunitytolearnBasicCreeLanguage.Thisclasshasbeenverysuccessfulandallstudentsareexcitedandengagedtobelearningthislanguage.

Outdoor Education:Wehavebeenworkingtowardshavingmoreparentledprogramminginourschools.Lastyearwewereapproachedby2fathersofstudentswhowantedtohelpstartanOutdoorEd.WinterCampprogramwhichwasverysuccessful.Unfortunately,theweatherdidnotcooperateforusthisyearandwewereunabletogetouttoourcamp.Instead,wehadtheprivilegetobeinvitedbyMysteryLakeSchoolDivisiontoattendtheirculturalcampnearThompsonatMile20.Wetook10malestudentswhowerefortunateenoughtohaveagreatexperience.

Hoop Dance Troupe:RuthBettsCommunitySchoolhasdevelopedaninschoolHoopTroupe,where20femaleandmalestudentslearntohoopdanceandlearntraditionalteachingsthroughouttheschoolyear.Theyperformfortheschoolsatvariousevents.

Beading:RuthBettsCommunitySchoolwasfortunatetohaveaHildaCook(Masterbeadingartistandgrandmothertooneofourstudents).SheattendedourFamilyRoomonceperweekandtaughtparentsandcommunitymembersabouttheartofbeadingandhelpedthemtocreatetheirownpiecesofart.

Boys Group:Aneedwasidentifiedbytheelementaryschoolforaboysgroup,targetingmoreoftheatriskpopulation.Thenoonhourgroupconsistedofapproximately10Aboriginalboysgrade4-6,whocametogetherwith2facilitatorstodiscussissuestheyarehavingintheirhomesorcommunityalongwithlearningculturalteachings.


Aboriginal Awareness Week Events:WehadaverybusyArtProgramduringourcelebrationofAboriginalAwarenessweekthisyearinMay.TheFamilyWorkersfacilitatedpaperplateDreamcatcherarttoapproximately50Gradeonestudents.WealsovisitedalloftheKindergartenclassroomsandreadstoriesandmadebannockwhilespeakingaboutcultureandlanguagetoapproximately70students.Worldrenownedcarver,IrvinHead,cameinandtaughtapproximately115gradefiveandsixstudentstheartofsoapstonecarving.Throughexplainingtheentireprocess,healsotaughtthemaboutCultureandhowArtcanbeusedasapositivewaytoexpressyourself.Eachstudentwasabletodeveloptheirowncarvingandtakeithome.

Tipi Teachings:Wecontinuetouseour12foottipitoprovidetraditionalteachings,andtoallowstudentsfromeachschooltoparticipateinsomehandsoneducation.ThisyearweprovidedteachingsfortheFestivalduVoyageurcelebrationatEcoleMcIsaacSchool,andthecommunitycelebrationsofCultureDays,andNationalAboriginalDay.

Community partnerships:National Aboriginal Day:BSSAPcommitteememberssetupourtipiattheFriendshipCentrecommunityeventandtooktheopportunitytonetworkwithcommunitymembers.CultureDays:FamilyWorkersfacilitatedpaperplatedreamcatchersessionsforthe“CultureisCoolforKids”preschoolactivityday.TheyalsofacilitatedtheCreefamilytentandTipiteachingsduringtheweekendevents.

Bridging Generations & Braiding Histories Project:TheFlinFlonSchoolDivisionisfortunatetobeoneofthesitesforthisManitobaMuseumproject.ItseemednaturalthattheBSSAPcommitteewouldbethecontact.OurFamilyWorkershaveattendedseveralplanningsessionsandhavereceivedthenewBridgingGenerationsteachingkits.Ourstaffandcommunitycontinuetousethebundlesasaneducationalresourceforourprograms,andwelookforwardtoworkingwiththemonfutureprograms.

Resources:• Wecontinuetopurchaseculturallyrelevantposters,booksforalllevels,art,andsuppliesinwhichwedisplayandhave

availabletostaffineachschool,• BraidingHistoriesbundles,• BridgingGenerationsKits,8thFireSeries,MuffinsForGranny,WeWereChildren,100YearsofLoss,andother

multimediaresourcesforhighschoolclassesanddivisionalstaff.

Contact:Name:JillRideoutandLeslieDubinak,FamilyLiaisonWorkersE-mail:[email protected]@ffsd.mb.catel:204-687-7506and204-687-8660



Description of program/initiative: Initiatives in Aboriginal Education: Aboriginal Achievement• InitiativesinAboriginalEducation:AboriginalAchievement• improvingtheacademicoutcomesandgraduationratesofAboriginalstudents• Apprenticeshipprogrammingavailable• improveLiteracy&Numeracyoutcomes:divisionprojectsusingFountas&Pinnellprogrammaterials,BartonReading

asappropriate,NumeracyCoachworkingwithclassroomteachersandstudents,enhancednumeracyassessmentthroughresourcesupportwhenappropriate

• exploringwaystoengageparentsandstudentsofAboriginalheritageinmeaningfulways,suchasparticipationonschoolanddivisionalinitiativeseg.Goulter/VCIPOWWOW

• assistintheorganizationanddevelopmentofschoolbasedcoursesinlanguageGr.1-8• Gr.9–12exploringNativeStudiescoursesandAboriginallanguageprogrammingininnovativewayswhichwelcome

participationofFirstNationandmainstreamstudents• AnnualparticipationinCareerTrek–highlymotivatedstudentswithvolunteersupporttravelonweekendsto

participate• FLBSDstaffparticipateintrainingprovidedbyManitobaEducationandAdvancedLearning:FromCulturalProficiencyto

CulturalCompetence• PurchasingAboriginalliteratureandresourcesforhighschoolELA,historycourses,andforFLBSDlibraries• MonthlyLiaisonmeetingsbetweenCanupawakpaFirstNationEducationAdvisoryRepresentativeandFLBSD

Superintendent,StudentServices,andSchoolAdministrators• EarlyYearspartnershiptoprovideclinicalsupports,screening,andprofessionaldevelopmentforHeadStart,Nursery,

DayCare&CanupawakpaKindergartenstaff

Contact:Name:JudyDandridge,CoordinatorofStudentServicesE-mail:[email protected]:204-748-2692


Descriptive title of program/initiative:


Description of program/initiative: Promoting Aboriginal Awareness in Hanover Schools1. Provideactivitiesforallstudentsthatpromoteaboriginalperspectivesintheareasofcurriculum,instruction,

assessment,classroommanagement,andschoolorganization.

2. Increaseaboriginalawarenessinallourschoolsforallstudentsandstaff,bysupportingprofessionaldevelopmentandcollaborativeplanningamongteachers,principals,specialists,supportstaffparents,andthecommunity

Intervention Strategy:• HanoverSchooldivisionhasanAAAconsultanttofacilitateteammeetingsandprofessionaldevelopmentfortheAAA

team.

• OnerepresentativefromeachschooljoinsthedivisionalAAAteam.ThispersonisinterestedinAboriginalissues,worksdirectlywithAboriginalstudents,orisinvestedinembeddingaboriginalperspectiveacrossthecurricula.ThecommitmenttotheAAAteamisfor1schoolyear.

• ThreetofourteammeetingsayeararefacilitatedbythedivisionalAAAconsultant.ProfessionaldevelopmentwithManitobaEducationconsultantsisorganized.Listsofpossibleprojectsaredeveloped.AnevaluationofprojectsisthefocusoffinalmeetinginMay.

• Teammemberspromoteideasandinitiativesintheirschools.Ideasforprojects,performers,andpurchasesofresourcesmaycomefromanystafforcommunitymembers.Eachschoolsubmitsaproposalfortheprojectorprogram,projectingcostsandexpenses.

• TheAAAreviewcommittee,whichincludestheAssistantSuperintendentofStudentServicesandthedivisionalAAAconsultant,approvestheproposalsthatmeettheabovecriteriaandallocatesfundsaccordingly.

• SchoolactivitiesprojectsapprovedincludepresentationsbyMichaelManyeaglesandJoeMcLellan,soapstonecarvings,storytelling,drummingandtraditionalmusic,fieldtripstotheForkstoparticipateinNationalAboriginalDay,monthlythemeassembliesusingtheSevenAboriginalteachings,presentationsontraditionalhomesandtipibuilding.

Contact:GeriRobson,AssistantSuperintendentofStudentServicesE-mail:[email protected]:204-326-9829



Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Education:AboriginalEducationProgramPlan:1.AboriginalIdentityandBelongingness:• ToidentifywaystosupportAboriginalstudentsindevelopingasenseofbelongingatschool• ToidentifyandprovideculturalconnectionsforAboriginalstudents• ToidentifyactivitiestopromoteAboriginalprideinAboriginalstudents• ToprovideopportunitiestogaincreditsinNativeStudies

2.AboriginalAwareness• ToofferAboriginalpresentations/activitiestoallstudents,staff,andcommunitymembers• ToprofileAboriginalresourceswithstudents.Staff,andcommunitymembers• ToassistschoolsinimplementingAboriginalperspectivesinschoolandclassroomactivities

3.ResourceDevelopment• TomaintainaninventoryofdivisionalresourcesforAboriginalawareness/educationasrecommendedbyprovincialcur-

ricula,TheAboriginalDirectorate,anddivisionalstaff• TomaintainafileofnewspaperarticlesofcontemporaryAboriginalissues• TodevelopaStudentInitiatedCourseforNativeStudiesintheInterlakeSchoolDivision

4.IntegrationintoCurriculum:• TodemonstratetoteachershowAboriginalperspectivescanbeintegratedintoallsubjectareas• Toprovidehumanandeducationalresourcesforintegrativeactivities• ToprovideclassroompresentationsonAboriginalperspectives• Tocoordinateprofessionaldevelopmentopportunities• ToconsultwithotherAboriginaleducators

5.Communications•ToprovidecareerdevelopmentandscholarshipinformationforAboriginalstudents•Toshareinformationabouteducationalandculturalactivitieswithschools

Thesegoalshavebeenmetthroughactivitiessuchas:• Stonewall CollegiateGirlsCulturalAwarenessGroup• Teulon CollegiateAboriginalMonth(highlightedintheWEDaynewsletter) -ServingAboriginalcuisineintheJackPotStudentCafé; -HostedaschoolPowWowincludinglocaldancers; -StudentinitiatedFirstNationsWaterProject; -SponsoringaFirstNationsschoollibrary; -WinterFestivalwithanAboriginalfocus• Teulon Elementary School:AboriginalDayCelebrationhighlightinglocaldancersandfiddlersinanAboriginalthemeActiv-

ityday• Woodlands School :SchoolwideAboriginalthemedActivityDay• Warren CollegiateGirl’sCulturalGroup• Grosse IsleBoy’sCulturalGroup• R.W.Bend School:MetisfiddlersanddancersaspartoffestivalDuVoyager,MichaelKusagukguestauthor• Omega Colony School:StarBlanketProject• Concord Colony School:SevenTeachingsProject


• Mallard Colony School:AboriginalPerspectivesProject• SchoolsaccessingresourcematerialstoinfuseAboriginalperspectivesintoallsubjectareasatallgradelevels• Schoolbasedguestspeakers

Contact:SiobhanFaulkner,AssistantStudentServicesAdministratorE-mail:[email protected]:204-791-5228


Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other–LanguageDevelopment

Description of Program/Initiative: Aboriginal Education InitiativesAboriginalEducationCommittee–focusfordivisionanduseofAAAGrant• developandshareactivitiesandprogramswithlocalFirstNationsSchool.• middleschoolGrade6Creeoptionclass.• alternateProgramminginMaryDuncan–culturalinclusionandallowsagegroupingfromchildcaretoadulteducation.• ongoingdatacollectionandtrackingofselfidentifiedFirstNationsinnumeracy,literacyandgraduationpatterns.• participationinMuseumNorthprogramdevelopment–2staffoncommittee–developingteachingkitswithlocal

Aboriginalthemes.• developingacentrallibraryforresourcesofallkinds.• integrationofculturalelementsintoclassroomcurriculumandsupplementprogrammingwitheventsfeaturingfeasts,

guestartists,eldersandstorytellers

Contact:Name:LindaMarkus,StudentServicesCoordinatorE-mail:[email protected]:204-623-6421


Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other-improvingAboriginalself-awareness

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Education InitiativesWithintheLordSelkirkSchoolDivision,thereareavarietyofinitiativestakingplacetopromoteAboriginalEducation.Attachedbelowareexamplesoftheinitiativesoccurringineachschool.Schoolcontactinformationhasalsobeenprovided.

Contact:Name:ArleneKinden,AboriginalPerspectivesLeadTeacherE-mail:[email protected]:204-482-4521

Centennial School

Goals of program:• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• Other

Description of program/initiative: Seven Sacred Teachings• Classroomsincorporatedsharingcirclesintotheirdailyroutines.• LibrarypurchasedseveralbooksonAboriginallegends,mythsandtraditionalstories.• Classroomsmadedreamcatchers,soapstonecarvings,drums,turtlerattlesandtalkingsticks.• Guestspeakerscameintotheclassroomstospeakaboutthesevensacredteachings.• Tipilessonsweretaughtateachgradelevelandschoolshowcasedthedivisionaltipi.• SevenSacredTeachingsarebeingtaughtineachclassroom,showcasedatassembliesandincludedinnewsletters.• Invitedlocaldrumminggrouptoaschoolassembly.

School Contact:SharisseBrown,Grade2TeacherandLoriWiebe,ResourceE-mail:[email protected]@lssd.caTel:204-482-3265

East Selkirk Middle School Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• OtherDescription of program/initiative: AAA – Aboriginal Academic Achievement• TheschoolintroducedtheSevenSacredTeachingsschoolwideasits‘virtues’program.• Wepurchasedapproximately200poundsofsoapstoneandavarietyofcarvingtools.Studentswereintroducedtothe

artofsoapstonecarving.• DuringFestivalduVoyageur,theFrenchteachersorganizedeventssuchasstorytelling,storywriting,games(indoorand

outdoor),snowsculpting,etc.

School Contact:RitaProcyshyn,ArtTeacherE-mail:[email protected]:204-785-2036


École Bonaventure

Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Academic Achievement Grant

OurschoolhasbeenmovingforwardthroughtheIntegratingAboriginalPerspectivescontinuumandhasfocusedonAcademic&Culturalintegration.Wehave:• InvitedaFrenchMétisartisttosharethetraditionofaboriginallegendsandtheartofsoapstonecarvingandsnow

carvingwithourgrade5&6staffandstudents.

• ContinuedtobuildresourcesthroughthepurchaseofmaterialsinFrench(i.e.posters,books,music,videos)thatrepresentthetraditionalvalues,beliefsandwaysoflifeforAboriginalpeople.Byhavingthesematerialsavailable,wewillhavethebasistobuildagreaterawarenessofAboriginalcultureintoavarietyofunitsofstudythroughoutthecurriculum.

• PlannedactivitiesthatcelebratebothFrench&MétisAboriginalculture,duringoneweekinFebruaryforFestivalduVoyageur.

School contact:JocelyneSavoie,VicePrincipal E-mail:[email protected]:204-785-8284

Daerwood School

Goals of program:• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other

Description of program/initiative: 7 Sacred Teachings

Theteachersincorporatedthe7sacredteachingsintotheireverydayclassroom.Eachclasswasresponsibleforsharingatanassembly.Eachclassalsodidabigposterthatwasthenputupinthehallways.WealsowenttoOakHammockMarshthisyearforAboriginalDayandtookpartinstorytellingandotheractivitiesthatwereoffered.WehavealsodoneanAboriginalDayattheschoollevelwhereweincorporatedavarietyofactivitiesalongwithvariouspresenterssuchasahoopdancerandPowWowgroups.OurlibrarianalsosharedAboriginalstorieswithalltheclassesinanefforttoincreaseawareness.

School Contact: Name:DarcelleSaunders,PrincipalE-mail:[email protected]:204-482-4326


École Selkirk Junior High

Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other-improvingaboriginalself-Awareness

Description of program/initiative: Grade 8 Aboriginal Studies programThisprogramrunsinconjunctionwiththeGrade8Artprogram.Theyrunsidebyside,thestudentswhoareintheArtprogramtakeArtforhalfayear,thentakeAboriginalStudiesfortheotherhalfayear.TheGrade8AboriginalStudiesprogramisanart-basedcourse.Studentsstudydifferentindigenousculturesandthencreateaprojectreflectiveofthatculture.Example:studyoftheMaoricultureinNewZealandandthestudentspainted“mokos”-facialtattoosontheirfacesindesignsthatrepresentedthemselves.Thecourseistoopenupawarenessofworldindigenousculturestothestudents,toseethattheissuesthatmanyindigenousculturesarefacingareparalleltotheissuesthattheAboriginalpeople’sofCanadaarefacing.Thiscourseisalsodiscussionbasedandspeakersandfieldtripsarebookedthroughouttoreflectthecurrenttopic.StudentsalsodevelopadeeperunderstandingandappreciationoftheAboriginalculturethroughparticipatinginsmudgeceremonyandSharingCircle.

Thisprogramisopentoallstudents.

Grade 9 Aboriginal Studies programThisprogramisanelectivecourseopentoallstudents,althoughthemajorityofthestudentswhotakethiscoursehaveanaboriginalbackground.Thiscoursefocusesonthehistoricalandcontemporaryimpactoftreaties,residentialschools,culturaltraditions,andthestateofaboriginalcommunitiesinCanada,withthefocusbeinginManitoba.ThiscourserunsparallelwiththeGrade9SocialStudiescurriculum,butwhiletheGrade9SSonlytouchesoncertaintopics,theGrade9AboriginalStudiescoursetakestheseaboriginalperspectivesandgoesmuchdeeperintoeachtopic.Studentsdevelopamoresenseofawarenessabouttheiridentity,betheyaboriginalornon-aboriginal.StudentsalsodevelopadeeperunderstandingandappreciationoftheAboriginalculturethroughparticipatinginsmudgeceremonyandSharingCircle.Unitendprojectsarestudentoriented,andpresentedeitherdigitallyorpersonally.Speakers,fieldtripsandworkshopsarescheduledthroughout,dependingonthecurrenttopic.

Aboriginal AwarenessThisawarenessinitiativeisrelayedthroughouttheschool,ineitherschoolartprojects(murals,presentations),orintegrationofperspectivesintosubjectareas:example:theMichifLanguageintoBasicFrench,theMetisandtheirroleduringthefurtradeforLeFestivalduVoyageurforBasicFrench,thesciencebehindthetipiforgrade7ScienceForcesandStructures,AboriginalArtClubheldduringTalentDevelopment,theuseofnewsoftwaretechnology(MouseMischief)tomakelessonsmoredynamicandinteractive.TheinclusionofAboriginalStudentsandtheirfamiliesintotheAboriginalStudiesprogramssothattheybecomecomfortabletalkingandsharingabouttheiridentity.Grade9ELAStorytelling,andtheuseofaboriginallegendsandstoriesinGrade7ELAtoreflectthecreativityofshortstoriesandhowtheycanbeportrayedindifferentformatsratherthanjustpaper.

AsoneoftheschoolsintheLordSelkirkdivision,weareveryluckytohavesixaboriginaleducatorswhoareveryproudoftheirheritageandwhoarewillingtoshareitwiththeirstudents.Theseaboriginaleducatorsarededicated,andpositiverolemodelstotheAboriginalpopulationinourschool.Beingpositiverolemodels,showsourAboriginalstudentsthattheycanlookpastthestereotypesandbesuccessfulinanyoftheirendeavors.

TheAboriginalStudiesteacherisalsoavailabletotheteachersforresources,lessonplansandteam-teachingofanyaboriginalperspectivesthattheymayunfamiliarwith,orevenunsureofhowtodiscusswiththeirstudents.Havingthisresourceavailabletotheteachersisintegraltomaintainingthepositiveculturallysensitiveatmosphereofthejuniorhighschool.

School Contact:Ms.JacquelineBercier,AboriginalStudiesTeacherE-mail:[email protected]:204-785-8514


Happy Thought School


Description of program/initiative: Integration of Aboriginal Education into our Early Years School - focusing on literacy and numeracyOurpurposeistointegrateaboriginaleducationintoourentireschoolculture.Wehavecelebratedthesevensacredteachingsinourmonthlyvirtuesprogram,purchasedabeautifulsevensacredteachingsreadingrugforourupstairsreadingarea,purchasedleveledaboriginalbookstoincorporateintoourguidedreading,startedstorysacksforourentireschooltouseduringindoorrecess,invitedasoapstonecarverintosharehistalentwithallourGrade4students,invitedanaboriginalwriterintoworkwithourearlyyearswriters,purchasedaboriginalresourcesforourteacherstouse,andpurchasedaboriginalbooksforourlibrary,creatingarichculturalareainconjunctionwithourUkrainianbooks.

School Contact:Name:NancyLovenjak,PrincipalE-mail:[email protected]:204-482-4521

Lockport School

Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other:BuildingConnectionstoSchoolandPeers

Description of program/initiative: AAA – Aboriginal Academic Achievement• Novelsetwillbepurchasedandresourcewillco-teachthenovelwiththeELAteacherbasedonprotagonistofFirst

Nations.• Prideestablishedasfieldtripsoccurredtovariousaboriginalcelebrations/educationfacilities• Groupmeetingsofstudentstofacilitatefriendshipswithstaffandstudentstokeepanddeepenstudents’desiretostay

inschool

School Contact: BrandieLev,ResourceTeacherE-mail:[email protected]:204-757-9881


Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School

Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other-improvingaboriginalself-awareness

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Studies/ Aboriginal Awareness• MBEducationapprovedcourse–FirstNations,MetisandInuitStudies40S–isofferedtostudents• Full-timeAboriginalcounselor,providesguidanceandsupporttomeettheneedsofallaboriginalstudents,andhelps

newstudentsfromreservesadapttothesetting• AboriginalStudentCenterprovidesahomebase,homeworkhelp,andEducationalAssistanthelp• “Pilot”teachertobeaddedtoourAboriginalStudentCentertoworkwithat-riskaboriginalstudentsdirectly• Awardprogramsforaboriginalstudents• CommunitybasedPASSProgram(PromotingAboriginal• StudentSuccess)recognizesformerstudentsofaboriginalheritage,providesinspirationforcurrentstudents,exposes

themtoaboriginalsuccessstories,anddemonstratescommunitysupport• IndividualizedSelfPacedLearninghashelpedanumberofaboriginalstudentssucceedwhentheymayhavestruggledin

aregularclassroom• Aboriginalstudentsareinvolvedinschoolwideat-riskmentorshipprogram• Curricularareas–likesocialstudiesandEnglishlanguagearts–incorporate/infuseaboriginalperspectivesincurricula

School Contact: VickiCielen,PrincipalEmail:[email protected]:204-482-6926

Mapleton School

Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• Other

Description of program/initiative: Infusing Aboriginal Perspectives into the CurriculumAtMapletonSchool,theaimhasbecometoinfuseaboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculumbyimplementingandthenmaintainingaschoolwideprogramof“LearningThroughtheArts”.Eachgradewillintroduceanartisticelement/conceptrelatingtotheAboriginalculturesofCanadatotheirstudents.Thentheseconceptswillserveasabasisforcreatingaworkofart.K-Wintercount1–Tipi2–Pinchpots3–Totempoles4–Dreamcatchers5–Birchbark6-Loombeading

Thisworkwasdisplayedwithdetailsonthemeaningandproductionandthenviewedbyeachgrade.Everystudentwillnowhavetheopportunitytolearnaboutadifferentartisticelementineachgrade.Theschoolcontinuestoinviteinvisitingartists/educatorstohelpstudent’sandstaff’sunderstandingofaboriginalculture.


Wecontinuetointegrateaboriginalperspectivesthrough:• Fieldtrips• Aboriginalliterature• Mathactivities(games/probability)• Gymactivities(games,sports,winteractivities)• SocialstudiesandFrenchCurriculums• Purchasingresources

School Contact:GinaDoyle,ResourceTeacherE-mail:[email protected]:204-482-4409

Robert Smith School


Description of program/initiative: Building Student Success• Afterschooldrumminggroupeverysecondweekfrom3:30-4:40pm• Fallcommunitybuildingactivity–Studentswereencouragedtocomewithafamilymember.• StudentsdrummedatanassemblyfortheVirtueofRespect• Heldadrummingwintersolsticefeast• HostedTipiTeachingswithBrianMcLeod.BrianwasaSundanceChiefoftheNorthShoreSakeengSundance.• PromotedAboriginalcultureinourLiteratureprogram• OfferedaCoffeeClubforparents• Grade4overnighttriptothemuseum• AboriginalCelebrationWeekinJune

School Contact: StephenDudar,PrincipalE-mail:[email protected]:204-482-3677

Ruth Hooker School


Description of program/initiative: Building Student Success

Seven Sacred Teachings• RuthHookerSchoolhasincorporatedtheSevenSacredTeachingsintoourdailyroutines.Eachmonthwearepresented

withanewteachingtolearn.Thiscontinuedthroughouttheentireyearwitheachclassassignedanewteachingtolearnaboutandprepareapresentationattheendofthemonthtosharewiththeschool.SeptemberwasanintroductiontotheSevenSacredTeachings.


September–Introductionofall7SacredteachingsOctober–Respect(buffalo)November–Courage(bear)December/January–Love(eagle)February–Wisdom(beaver)March/April–Honesty(honesty)May–Humility(wolf)June–Truth(turtle)

Building Success with Parents• InDecemberasagifttoallparentsofRuthHookerSchool,afamilyphotowastakenofeachchildintheschoolwiththeir

family.Ifparentswerenotavailablethenaphotoofjustthechild/childrenweretaken.ThesephotoswerethenframedandgiftwrappedandgiventothefamiliesasagiftatChristmas.

• WeinvitedsomeofourparentstojoinusatthebeginningoftheyeartocometoourBSSAPgathering.Thisallowedallofustoshareincreating/planningnewideasforourstudentsandourschool.

• LocalartistMarkGuibochewasinthegrade6classsharinghisartistictalentsforthreedays.Heisaparentofoneofthestudentsingrade6.MarkGuiboucheisoriginallyfromWinnipeg,ManitobaandtreatytotheBloodveinFirstNation.Guibouchehasauniquestyleofworkingwithacrylicandinktocreatepaintingswithdefined,boldlinesandvibrantcolours.Guiboucheisaself-taughtartistwhousesthisdistinctivestyletoreflectcontemporaryaboriginalartthatrepresentstheconnectionbetweenthespiritandearth.Thegrade6studentsproducedsomebeautifulartpieces.

• ChristineHarcusourSchoolAttendanceLiasonbringsgroupsofparentstogetheronFridaysforCoffeeGroup-fieldtrips,baking,zumba,etc.

• MarvelousMondays(Mondayafter-school-7families)–Facilitatorsworktobringfamiliestogethertoteachtheimportanceofstayinginschoolandliteracy.Theysharedamealtogether,familyactivities,breakoutsessions–pre-school&schoolage.

Boys Group• BackgroundInfo:OurAboriginalmaleyouthareinneedofasafeenvironmenttoself-expressandgainasenseof

belonging.OvertheyearsthecrimeratewithinourAboriginalmaleyouthpopulationhasrisensignificantly.Thisisveryalarmingandrequiresimmediateattention.OurAboriginalmaleyoutharesearchingforanswersabouttheirjourney.Butbeforetheycanexplorethatjourneytheyneedaplacetohealandaskquestions.

• BeginninginOctober2010,KevinKipling(BSWHealthandWellnessSpecialist)wasatRuthHookerSchooltobeginaprogramcalledYoungBrothersofRedNationWorkingGroup.Thiscontinuedintothespring.HeworkedwithagroupofAboriginalmaleyouthsfrombothgrades5and6.Thisgroupmetonceaweekfortwelveweeks.Themainobjectiveoftheworkinggroupwastoofferasafesettingforourmaleyouthtoaskquestionsandself-express.Theweeklymeetingsweresimilartoasharingcirclesetting.Adifferenttopicwasexploredeachsession.

Topicsincluded:• GangAwareness• Bullying• Respect• BoundarySetting• HealthyFamilySetting• RoleofMaleYouthinourCommunities• Communication• Relationships• BehaviourManagementStrategies

Attheendofthesessions,Kevinheldacelebrationwiththeboysandtheirparents.Theyweretreatedtolunchandtheboyswerepresentedwithaspecialgiftofabearclawnecklace.


Aboriginal WeekForAboriginalweekourdivisionaltipiissetupinourlibraryandclassesareallowedtogoinsidetoreadandholddiscussions.Tostartofftheweekapowerpointpresentationwaspresentedtotheschoolinanassemblytointroducethestudentstothetipiandgivethemabetterunderstandingofhowthetipiissetup,thesignificanceofthepolesandtheproperetiquettewhileenteringthetipi.ThroughouttheweekwehadspecialguestsinourbuildingtohelpustoincorporateAboriginalperspectivesintoourclassrooms.Herewerethepresentationsthatwehad:

Louis Riel Institute–TheysetupstationsinourgymforthestudentstocirculatethroughtoengageindifferentactivitiesinvolvinglearningaboutthehistoryoftheMétispeople.TheafternoonendedwithaperformancebyayoungMetisjigger,TonyLindo,fromWinnipeg.

Jacquie Bourcier,anaboriginalstudiesteacherinL.S.S.D,discussedthemedicinewheel,medicines,anddidasmudgeoutside.Thebeginningofthepresentationwasinthegymwithapowerpointandthenstudentswentoutsideforasmudge.

Sandra Ross–Allclassesparticipated.Studentssatinasharingcirclewithboysinthenorthandgirlsinthesouth.Shetalkedaboutmakingatobaccoofferingbeforeharvestingfromthewildandthenshemadeonetalkingstickforeachclass,explainingtheitemsshewasattachingtothestickandthemeaningbehindthem.Onceshefinishedshepresentedthetalkingsticktotheteacher.Shethensmudgedwiththestudentswithsage.Thentherewasasharingcircle.Sheexplainedhowthestickwasusedandtherulesofthecircle.Therewasadiscussionledbytheteacherastowhattheywoulddooverthesummer.

Diane Cross(aformerEA)wasattheschooltotalktothegrade5&6classesintheirroomsaboutherjourneyandhowsheguidestheAboriginalyouthoftoday.SheisaspiritualleaderwhoworksforMetisChildandFamilyServicesinWinnipeg.

Donna Sutherland –alocalAboriginalauthor.ShehaswrittenbooksaboutChiefPeguisandisintheprocessofwritingachildren’sbookabouthim.Shesharedthewritingprocesswiththestudentsandwhatittakestoputabooktogether.

School Contact: TamaraDeiCont,PrincipalE-mail:[email protected]:204-482-3614

St. Andrews School

Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• Other

Description of program/initiative: Infusing Aboriginal Perspectives into the Curriculum

• AstorytellerwasinvitedtotheschoolduringILovetoReadMonth(February)andprovidedourgrade3,4,and5studentswithwonderfulstoriesaboutherlife.

• Loomsandbeadingmaterialshavebeenpurchasedandorganizedinaportablecart.Groupsofstudentscreatetheirownpatterns.

• Clayandpaintshavebeenpurchasedandusedtocreateclaybowlswiththegrade5students.• Ayearlycalendarofeventswasestablishedwhichidentifiesspecificactivities/eventsforeachschoolmonthoftheyear

andindicateswhichgradelevelwillbetakingpartintheactivity/event(e.g.,Novemberactivitymaybemakingclaybowlswiththegrade5’s).Someactivitieswillremainthesamefromyeartoyear.Bythetimestudentsleavetheschoolingrade6theywouldhavehadtheopportunitytoparticipateinalloftheactivities.

• Asoapstonecarverwasinvitedtospendthedaywithgrades4and5.• BookbinsforgradesK-3havebeenestablished.EachbincontainsstorieswithanAboriginaltheme.Thesebinsare

passedaroundtheclassrooms.• ArtactivitiesanddisplaymaterialspromotingawarenesshavebeenpurchasedfromtheNativeReflectionscatalogue.


• NovelscontaininganAboriginalthemehavebeenpurchasedforuseinthegrade6classroomsforliteracycircles.• Talkingstickshavebeenpreparedforeachclassroom.• EveryyearatipiiserectedinthelibraryfortwoweeksinMay.Studentsaregivenabriefhistoryandtaughthowtouse

thetipirespectfully.

School Contact:NancyBargan,ResourceTeacherE-mail:[email protected]:204-334-6083

Walter Whyte School


Description of program/initiative: AAA – Aboriginal Academic AchievementGrade8&9studentsweretaughtanAboriginalStudiescurriculum.

InMarch,wehadTedLongbottomvisitourschoolforaweek.Duringthistime,avarietyofactivitiesoccurred:• Wrotesongs• LearnedaboutanddressedlikeMétishuntersandbuffalo• Performedaskit• Drewpictures

School Contact: Name:MelodyTully,KindergartenteacherE-mail:[email protected]:204-754-2240

William S. Patterson School


Description of program/initiative: AAA – Aboriginal Academic Achievement• Grade4studentssharedinformationabouttheSevenSacredTeachingsataschoolassembly.• PennyRossworkedwithclassestomakespecialtalkingsticksfortheirclassroomsandthenledasharingcirclewiththe

class.• Schoolactivitiesincluded:birchbarkbiting,visitformaboriginalauthorDonnaSutherland,musicalpresentationbythe

BogBoys,school-widejigging,makinginuksuks,learninghowtosmudge,

School Contact: LindaBreakey,Grade4teacherE-mail:[email protected]:204-738-4700



Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Student Support Services, Footsteps Program

Giventhelargeandever-increasingnumberofstudentsandfamiliesfromAboriginalbackgroundsintheDivision,anumberofprogramsandsupportshavebeenestablishedtoaddresssomeoftheuniqueneedsamongthiscommunityoflearners.AboriginalStudentSupportServiceshasbeenhousedintheReneDeleurmeCentrecomplexsince2005,originallyastheFootstepsprogram.Sincethattime,thisprogramareahasexpandedtoinclude5full-timeteachingstaff,3AboriginalCommunityLiaisonWorkers,andafull-timesupervisor.Thefollowingareareasoffocusthisyear:

• Thegrade4andgrade6socialstudiesprogram:eachandeverygrade4andgrade6classroomintheDivisionattendsReneDeleurmeCentreforahalfdayofculturalprogrammingintendedtocomplimentoutcomesintheprovincialsocialstudiescurriculum.ClassesarebusedtoRDCandareengagedinarangeofactivitiesanddiscussionsthattacklehistoricalmisperceptionsandsupporttheinclusionofaboriginalperspectives.

• Footstepsresourcecentreandsmudgeroom:tosupportstudents,teachersandschools,theDivisionmaintainsacomprehensivecollectionofmaterialsandresourcesonaboriginalissues,concernsandperspectives.Inaddition,asmudgeroomhasbeendevelopedforteachingandlearningpurposes,andtosupporttheappropriateinclusionofculturalpracticeswherewarranted.

• Grade9AboriginalTransitionProgram:thisprogramisintendedtosupporttheneedsofstudentsfromaboriginalbackgroundswhoareexperiencing2ormoreyearsofdelayinthedevelopmentofage-appropriateliteracyandacademicskills.Tofacilitateastrongertransitiontohighschool,thesestudentsspendahalfdayatRDC,receivingintensiveliteracyandacademicsupports,inadditiontoculturalsupportsintendedtobuildstrongidentitiesassuccessfullearners.Thestudentsthenreturntotheirhomeschoolforthesecondhalfoftheschoolday.

• AboriginalYouthLeadershipProgram:thisprogrambuildsleadershipcapacityinAboriginalyouthacrosstheDivision,andsupportsstudentsinundertakingleadershiprolesintheirhomeschools.StudentsparticipatinginthisgrouphavehistoricallyattendedanationalyouthleadershipconferenceinEdmontoninOctober.Thestudentsreceiveahighschoolcreditfortheirparticipationintheprogram.

• AboriginalGrade9and10CareerEducationCourses:incollaborationwithallofthehighschoolsintheDivision,thesecoursessupportcareerexplorationandcareerreadinessamongAboriginalyouth.Studentsreceiveahighschoolcreditfortheirparticipation.

• AboriginalStudentSupportinschools:inadditiontotheprogramsnotedabove,theAboriginalStudentSupportServicesteamcontinuestoprovidedirectsupporttostudentsandfamiliesthroughouttheDivisionincludingAboriginalSocialWorksupport.Thismayentailindividualizedinstructionalandacademicsupports,orsocialwork,culturalandothersupportinschoolsandthecommunity.

• CurrentTopicsinFNMIStudies40S:thisschoolyear,theFootstepsprogramprovidesAboriginalteachingstafftoteachtheFNMIStudies40Sinthreeofoursevenhighschools.SimilarsupportswillbeprovidedtootherhighschoolsinLRSDthefollowingyear.Theintentofthissupportistohelpbuildcapacityintheschoolstosustaininstructionofthecourseinthefuture.

• ResourceCentre:alargeAboriginalresourcelibraryandclassroomspaceislocatedattheReneDeleurmeCentrethatisusedtosupportthecurricularneedsofclassroomteachersinLRSD.

Contact:Name:NeillJohnson,AssistantSuperintendentEmail:[email protected] Tel:204-257-7827



Description of program/initiative: Partnership with Waywayseecappo First Nation

WaywayseecappoFirstNationandParkWestSchoolDivisionhaveworkedtogethertoarticulateplansforanenhancededucationalpartnership.WearecurrentlyinvolvedinathreeyearpilotprojectundertheauspicesofINAC’sEducationalPartnershipPrograminwhichwewillcooperativelydelivereducationalservicestothechildrenofWaywayseecappo.Thisproposalrepresentsasignificantadvancementbeyondourpreviouseducationalserviceagreement.ThepilotpartnershiphastheschoolinWaywayseecappobeingredesignatedasaNurserytoGrade8institutionwiththehighschoolstudentsgoingtoParkWestschoolsinRussellandRossburn.INACisfundingtheschoolatthesamelevelasouraverageperstudentcostforthedivision.

Wewillimplementacomprehensiveplanfordatacollectionandanalyseswhichwillincludeexaminationofstudentattendance,courseenrolment,drop-outrates,graduationrates,andacademicachievement.Wewillalsotrackstudentdisciplineandbehaviourdata.Operationalcostswillbemonitoredcloselyforallareasincludingadministration,staffing,programmingandtransportation.Wewillplantosurveystudents,staff,parentsandcommunitymembers.Wewillalsoassessparentalinvolvementintermsofbothlevelsofinvolvementandqualityofinvolvement.Wewillidentifyspecificmeasurementtoolsorstandardsforobservingandcollectingeducationaldata.AlldatathatiscollectedwillbereportedtoINAConanannualbasis.

Anextensivestaffingplanwasdevelopedtosupportthepartnership.TheplanforprofessionalstaffallocationusesthesameframeworkbywhichtheschoolsinParkWestarestaffed.Thestaffingplanemphasizespreschooltrainingandschoolreadiness.LargeclasssizeswerereducedbyallocatingtwoteachersateverygradelevelfromNurserytoGrade8.Considerableattentionisalsobeinggiventoincreasingsupportsinthestudentservicesarea.TheschoolinWaywayseecappowillreceiveregularservicefromcliniciansincludingeducationalpsychologists,speechpathologists,andearlyliteracyspecialists.Allinterventionintheareaofspecialeducationwillbemonitoredandevaluatedonaregularbasis.

Recruitmentforthevacantstaffingpositionswillbeakeyfocus.WewillfocusonhiringstaffthatarehighlyskilledandexperiencedwithprioritygiventothosecandidateswhohaveFirstNationancestryandexperience.Wewillcontactregionaluniversitiesandpost-secondaryinstitutionsregardingthedevelopmentofeducationaltrainingprogramstosupportournewandfuturestaff.

Anextensiveplanwillbedevelopedforensuringcongruencyinprogramimplementation.AllprovincialcurriculawillbedeliveredandWaywayseecappostudentswillhaveaccesstoallDivisionalprograms.

ThecurrentadulteducationprogramthatexistsinWaywayseecappowillbesustainedandenhanced.Wehavealsocreatedanoff-campusclassroomforat-riskyouthaged14-17.Therewillbeacontinuedfocusoncommunitylanguagedevelopment,specificallytheOjibwaylanguage.TheprofessionaldevelopmentplansParkWestSchoolDivisionwillbesharedwiththestaffofWaywayseecappotoallowaccesstoourprofessionallearningopportunities.

Communityinvolvementineducationwillbeacriticalpriority.WealreadyhaveapprovalfromtheMinisterofEducationtoallowforaTrusteerepresentativefromWaywayseecappo.Thiswillfurtherstrengthenoureducationalpartnership.

WeimaginethisprojecthavingenormousbenefitstoboththestudentsofWaywayseecappoandtoParkWestSchoolDivision.

Contact:Name:TimMendel,CEO/SuperintendentEmail:[email protected] Tel:204-842-2100


Goals of program:• EngagingAboriginallearnersandtheirfamilieswiththeirschoolcommunity.• Improvingliteracy,numeracy,andtheoverallachievementofAboriginallearners.• IncorporatingAboriginalcontributionsandperspectivesintocurriculumforallstudents.

Description of program/initiative:

Divisional Steering CommitteeIn2014PembinaTrailsestablishedaDivisionalSteeringCommitteeonAboriginalAcademicAchievement.ThemandateoftheCommitteeisto:• EstablishavisionforAboriginalAcademicAchievementprogrammingandcommunicatethiswithstake-holders.• Developanactionplantomeetthatvisionandcommunicatethiswithstake-holders• SupportschoolleadersandAboriginalAcademicAchievementteachersinimplementingrelevantaspectsoftheaction

plan.• MakerecommendationstotheDivisionforfuturestructures,deliverymodels,etc.andbudgetaryimplications,in

supportofthesuccessofAboriginalstudents.• RedefinetheroleofAboriginalAcademicAchievementConsultantandteachers,asapplicable.

TheCommitteewillincludetwoAssistant-Superintendents,amemberfromeachoftheProgramandStudentServicesConsultants,threeschooladminandthethreeAboriginalAcademicAchievementteachers.InadditiontocurrentresearchonAboriginalEducation,CulturallyProficientLearningCommunities,D.Lindsey,LindaJungwirth,J.Pahn,andR.Lindsey(2009)hasbeenidentifiedasabookstudyfortheSteeringCommittee,theProgramandSupportServicesDepartments.

Aboriginal Academic Achievement TeachersThisyear,threeAboriginalAcademicAchievementteachersnowworkineightschoolsinPembinaTrailsSchoolDivision(whichhasincreasedfromtwoteacherssince2011).Theirfocusparallelstheaforementionedprogramobjectives(recognizingthatprogrammingisvariedtomeetthespecificneedsofeachschoolcommunity).

AboriginalAcademicAchievementteachersprovidespecificsupporttostudentsthatencouragesattendanceandparticipationthroughrelationshipsbuiltovertimetostrengthenhome-schoolpartnerships.Teachersalsofocusontheimprovementofliteracyandnumeracylevelsandstudyskillssupportforidentifiedstudents.Aboriginalclubs,careerplanning,andleadershipopportunitiesforstudents,andtheincorporationofAboriginalcontributionsandperspectivesintolessonsarealsoprioritiesforteachersintheirschoolcommunities.

DatacollectedthroughregularformativeandsummativereportingprocessesaswellasdatagatheredwithintheLearningto18provincialinitiativeisusedtodeterminethesuccessofprogrammingineachofthecommunitiesserved.

Family Connections RoomTheFamilyConnectionsroomatWestgroveSchoolprovidesawelcomingandbelongingplaceforstudentsandtheirfamiliestogathertogether.Thespacehasbeenenhancedwithcomfortableseatingtoprovideafriendly,relaxed,homeawayfromhomeatmosphere.Accesstoakitchenettewillprovidefamilieswiththeopportunitytosharetraditionalrecipes.Computerswillalsobemadeavailableforfamiliestouse.Inaddition,thespacewillprovideCulturalandProgramResourcesforAboriginalfamilies,leaders,studentsandteacherstoaccess.Manyresourcesfromvideos,languagelabs,kitsandmaterialswillbeavailabletolend.

CurriculumSince2011,throughprofessionaldevelopmentprovidedbyourAboriginalAcademicAchievementConsultant,teachershavebeenhelpedtobuildacontextfornewoutcomesandreflectonwhichnewinstructionalstrategiesmightbeeffectiveforengagingstudentsgivenAboriginalperspectivesintheircontentarea.Recentexamplesdevelopedinclude:AboriginalPerspectivesinAstronomy-includingStarDome(offeredwithinGr.6andGr.9Science)andTheCanoeandtheMetisPeople(offeredinKindergarten,Gr.8IndustrialArtsandScience).


Material ResourcesSince2011,severaltitleshavebeenpurchasedforclassroomsandlibrariesinseveralschoolstoaugmentAboriginalcontentthatpromotesawarenessonissuesandcelebratesAboriginalcontributions.Thisyear,materialsthathavebeenpurchasedarefiction,non-fiction,referenceandteacherresources.Topicsandthemesincludebothtraditionalandhistoricalcontentaswellascontemporaryculturalcontent.AcollectionofCreelanguagebooksintheSwampyCreedialecthavebeenpurchasedtobuildahomereadingprogramforstudentswhoseparents’firstlanguageisCree.

Professional Development and WorkshopsSince2011,theDivisionalAboriginalAcademicAchievementConsultantcontinuedtodelivernumerousworkshopsonAboriginalcultureandworldviews,includingAboriginalperspectivesinEducationandAboriginalArt.Thisyear,KevinLamoureuxwaskeynoteatthereleaseofourDivision’srevisedStandardofBehaviour.HefocusedondiversityfromanAboriginalperspective.Alsothisyear,AboriginalAcademicAchievementteacherswillbetrainedtoprovideprofessionaldevelopmenttoteacherssothattheyarepreparedtodeliverTreatyEducationtoallstudentsatappropriategradelevels.AfterschoolprogramswillcontinuetobeofferedontraditionalAboriginalculturetoeducatorsthrougheitherProfessionalDevelopmentortheStaffDevelopmentCentre.Someprofessionallearningexperiencesmayalsoinclude:petroformsintheWhiteshell,theSundanceinSelkirk,andIgnitingtheFireintheWhiteshellProvincialPark.

Cultural Appreciation Events and Workshops for StudentsTheSevenSacredTeachingsoftheOjibwaypeopleisaprogramtaughtinvariousclassroomsthroughoutPembinaTrailsschools.Theprogramfocusesonsevenvalues:love,truth,humility,courage,honesty,wisdomandrespect.Withintheprogram,Aboriginalpeopleareportrayedinapositivelight,andhighlightstheircontributions,heroes,worldviewandculture.AsmudgingeventstartstheprogramandisfollowedbylessonsoneachoftheTeachings.Theselessonsincludestory-telling,sharingcircles,andpresentationsbystudentsattheendofeachTeaching.

Cultural Appreciation Programs for StudentsAboriginalarts,dancing,drumming,smudging,andsweatlodgeexperiencescontinuestobeprovidedthroughouttheyearinavarietyofschools.CraftworkshopsareofferedatOakParkthroughtheirCareerDevelopmentprogramandatWestdalethroughtheirMedicineWheelgroup.AtWestgrove,Aboriginalcraftsareofferedtostudentsinpreparationforthewinterholiday.Thisyear,CreetipiteachingworkshopswillbepilotedforstudentsatGeneralByng.Areadingtipiinthelibraryandsmalltipilearningkitsforteachersareavailableforteacherstosignoutanduse.Aboriginaleldersandleaderswillprovidestory-telling,singinganddancingopportunities.

Career TrekFortystudentsfromfourschoolsannuallyparticipateinCareerTrek.Thisprogramgivesselectedstudentstheopportunitytoexperiencefirst-handover20differentcareers.

New School Clubs

Aboriginal Arts Club at General ByngThefocusofthisnewclubistoexploreArtsfromavarietyofnationsandtraditions.Materialsusedintheartareastruetothecorrectmaterialsaspossible.Eachactivityisaccompaniedbyalessonofthebackgroundofthenation,ahistoricalcontextandoraltradition.Guestpresenters,whoareeithereldersorknowledgeableintheseareas,providespecificteachingsorceremoniesforaparticularartproject.Examplesinclude:dreamcatchers,Metisbeadwork,babymoccasins,birchbarkbiting,fingerweavingofsashesandfourstringbraidingofmittenstrings.

Aboriginal Students Association at Vincent MasseyThefocusofthisnewclubistoprovidestudentswithcommunitybuilding,culturalenrichment,leadershipopportunities,post-secondaryandcareerplanningopportunities.Theclubprovidesstudentsavarietyofcontemporaryandtraditionalworkshopsonandoffcampus.Guestartists,elders,andpresentersleadlearningopportunitiesandworkshops.StudentscreateInformationdisplaysfortheschooloncurrentissues,heritage,socialaction,andTreaties.ThisclubwillalsoworkwithGeneralByngtodeliverpresentationsandreadingprogramstobuildcommunityconnectionsbetweenschools.Andfinally,theclubwillofferbothonandoffcampusworkshopstoinformstudentsaboutscholarships.ToursandopportunitiestoauditclasseswillbeprovidedbyAboriginalrecruitmentofficersatUniversityofManitoba,UniversityofWinnipegandRedRiverCollege.CareerawarenessandtrainingopportunitieswithorganizationssuchastheUrbanIndigenousTheatreCompanywillbeexplored.


Contact:IainRiffel,AssistantSuperintendent,Program,PrimaryContactinPembinaTrailsSusanSchmidt,AssistantSuperintendent,StudentServicesJocelynBergunder,TeacherforWestgrove,WestdaleandOakParkKenBudyk,TeacherforArthurA.Leach,AcadiaandFortRichmondAngelaFey,TeacherforGeneralByngandVincentMassey


Goals of program:• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other–HolisticApproach

Descriptive title of program/initiative: Initiatives in Aboriginal Education Aboriginal Academic Achievement Goals1. TosupportAboriginalstudentsintheareaofliteracy:Toachievethisgoal,AboriginalstudentsparticipateinLanguage

EnrichmentGroupsfacilitatedbyDivisionSpeechLanguagePathologists.Studentsworkinsmallgroups,twotothreetimespersixdaycycle.

2. TosupportAboriginalstudentsintheareaofnumeracy:ThisgoalisinthedevelopmentstagesandtheDivisionisexploringthehiringofanumeracycoachtosupportstaffandstudents.

3. TosupportAboriginalstudentsintheareaofengagement:Variousengagementstrategiesincludeyouthgroups,schoolinitiatedactivities,fieldtrips,guestspeakers,courses/programsoffered,professionaldevelopment,andpartnershipsformedwithinthecommunity.

Aboriginal Steering CommitteeRepresentativesfromeachschooltakepartinanAboriginalSteeringCommittee.ThegoalistoworktogethertobringAboriginalinitiativestoallschools.Meetingsareheldtwiceayear,thefirsttogenerateideasandthesecondtodiscusswhatwentwell,whatcanbeimproved,andideasforthefollowingyear.

Aboriginal Youth GroupsAboriginalyouthgroupsforbothmalesandfemaleshavebeenformedatthemajorityoftheDivision’selementaryschoolsalongwithaFirstNationsLeadershipgroupatthehighschool.OurAboriginalyouthgroupsalsoactasmentorsforyoungerstudents.OgitchitaisayouthgroupforAboriginalboysatLaVerendryeSchool.Ogitchitaisaself-namedgroupmeaningwarriorwithaheart.

YoungWomenofTomorrowisayouthgroupforAboriginalgirlsatYellowquillSchool.ThegrouphasinspiredotherschoolsintheDivisiontostarttheirownYWOTgroups.TheyalsoinspiredmalesatYellowquillSchooltostarttheirowngroup.TheynamedthemselvesOld Men of Yesterday.FirstNationsLeadershipisayouthgroupatthehighschool.ThegoalistoraiseAboriginalawarenessamongstthestudentpopulation.Initiativesimplementedtoachievethisgoalincludebringinginguestspeakers,startingupabeadworkclub,holdinganAboriginalCareerFairandhostingagraduationpow-wow.

School Initiated ActivitiesSchoolinitiatedactivitiesinclude:Drummingandsmudging;dreamcatchersandAboriginalartwork;icefishing,filleting,andmoosemeat;lessonsonhistoryandtraditions;tacoandbannocksales;starblanketquilting;breakfastandsnackprograms;walkingschoolbus;andswimmingandcookinglessons.

School Field TripsFieldstripshaveincluded:FestivalduVoyageur,UniversityofWinnipeg,OakHammockMarsh,UpperFortGarry,ManitobaMuseum,StardomeatthePlanetarium,ThunderbirdHouse,TheForksinWinnipeg,MetisCultureandResourceCentre,LouisRielHouse,andSweatLodgeCeremony.Guest Speakers GuestSpeakers,withthefollowingareasofexpertise,havebeeninvitedtoanumberofschoolsthroughouttheDivision:


hoopdancer,soapstonecarver,Elder,talkingstickspresenter,femalepowwowdancer,writerandstoryteller,starblanketquilter,plantmedicinepresenter,formerchief,chickendancer,treatyrelationsspeaker,localfiddler,localMetisdancinggroup,andAboriginalSchoolofDancepresenters.

Walking School BusCurrently,threeschoolsinourDivisionhaveimplementedthe“WalkingSchoolBus”eachdaybeforeandafterschool.Staffwalkaroundtheneighborhoodpickingupchildrenandknockingondoorsinorderforstudentstogettoandfromschoolsafelyandontime.

Courses/Programs offered at Portage CollegiateOgibwayisacourseofferedingrades9and10asanelective.TopicsofstudyincludetheOjibwaylanguage,Treaty1,Art,Authors(novelstudy),OjibwayCulture,traditionsandlocalhistory.

AboriginalCultureisagrade9schoolinitiatedcourseofferedasanelective.Topicsofstudyincludethe7Teachings,themedicinewheel,ceremonies,the4medicines,foodandmusic.

NativeHistoryisagrade10schoolinitiatedcourseofferedasanelective.TopicsofstudyincludeFirstNationsandInuitpeoplespriortocontact,Europeancontact,thefurtrade,militaryalliances,treaties,theIndianActandresidentialschools.

CurrentTopicsinFirstNations,MetisandInuitStudiesisthegrade12courseofferedasanelective.Topicsofstudyincludeimageandidentity,relationswithgovernment,towardajustsociety,indigenousworld,andafestivaloflearning.

AboriginalInternshipProgram:AsaresultofourpartnershipwiththeRegionalHealthAuthority,weofferAboriginalstudentstheopportunitytoworkinalocallyrelatedhealthprofession.Aboriginalstudentsapplyforthisposition.Duringtheschoolyear,theyworkasvolunteersonceaweekandattheendoftheprogramtheyareofferedfull-timesummeremployment.ThisisaverybeneficialprogramforAboriginalstudentswhoareinterestedinpursuingahealthrelatedprofession.

Professional Development Variousspeakerspresentatprofessionaldevelopmentsessionssuchas,TomHighway“WalkinmyMoccasins,”andKevinLamou-reuxfromtheUniversityofWinnipeg.

TreatyEducationInitiative:LongPlainFirstNation,thePortagelaPrairieSchoolDivisionandtheTreatyRelationsCommissionofManitobaworkedtogethertoputonaTreatyProfessionalDevelopmentSession.ThiswasatwodaysessionheldatthePCUCenterinPortagelaPrairie.EducatorsfrombothLongPlainFirstNationandthePLPSDparticipatedinthesessionandreceivedTreatyEducationKits.

BSSAP (Building Student Success with Aboriginal Parents) ProgramNorthMemorialSchool(K-6)ispartoftheBSSAPProgram.TheyalsoattendBSSAPmeetings.• ParentProgram• BreakfastClub• SessionsforParents• FamilyEvents

Summer Literacy Pilot ProjectThispastsummer,threefamiliesfromNorthMemorialSchoolparticipatedinaSummerLiteracyPilotProject.ThreemomsandtwelvechildrenparticipatedinasixweekprogramwhichranoutofNorthMemorialSchoolintheafternoonsonTuesdays,WednesdaysandThursdays.TheprogramwasfacilitatedbytheDivision’sOutreachFacilitatorandaSocialWorkerwhowasworkingonherpracticum.Familiestookpartinanumberofliteracyactivities,theycookedtogetherandthemomsparticipatedinaparentingprogramwhiletheirchildrenlearnedskillsaroundself-regulationandempathy.Preandposttestinginliteracyindicatedthatreadinglevelseitherstayedthesameorimprovedinallchildrenintheprogram,ascomparedtothecontrolgroupwherereadinglevelsdecreasedinallchildren.


Portage Friendship CentreApartnershiphasbeenbuiltbetweenthePortagelaPrairieSchoolDivisionandthePortageFriendshipCenter.AbranchoftheFriendshipCenter,calledEaglesFireYouthCenter(EFYC),isjustacrossthestreetfromthehighschool.ClasseshaveattendedEFYCtotakepartinavarietyofprogramssuchasAboriginalpaintingandstarblanketquilting.StudentsarealsoactivevolunteersattheFriendshipCenter,servingEldersatThanksgivingandChristmasfeasts.ElementarySchoolsalsoparticipateinafterschoolprogramsattheFriendshipCenter.

First Nation CommunitiesLongPlainFirstNationandPortageCollegiateInstituteworktogethertohelpstudentstransitionfromLongPlainFirstNationSchool(K-9)toPortageCollegiateInstitute(9-12).BothattendManitobaFirstNationsEducationResourceCenterTransitionMeetingstoachievethiscommongoal.WealsohaveaLPFNLiaisonatthehighschooltosupportLongPlainstudents.TheLongPlainLiaisonisvitalinconnectingwiththeLongPlainFirstNationCommunity.TheDivisionalsoworkscloselywiththeEducationalDirectorsatLPFNandDakotaTipiFirstNation.Regularmeetingsareheldtodiscussthewell-beingofLPFNandDTFNstudents.ContactJillFast,AAAFacilitatorEmail:[email protected]:204-857-6843,ext.523


Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities Descriptive title of program/initiative: Initiatives in Aboriginal Education - Improving Outcomes for Aboriginal Learners

Program Description: St. Laurent School Fiddle ProgramSt.Laurentcommunity/parentsdecidedtointegratesomeMétisculturalinitiativeswithintheschoolcurriculum.Theinitiativehascreatedculturalawarenessandasenseofidentityformanyofourstudents.MarkMorisseauwhoisarenownedMétisfiddlerthroughouttheMétishomelandteachestheSchool’sfiddlingprogram.Asyouwillread,theprogramhasbeenatremendoussuccesstakingtheMétisYouthofthiscommunitytovariousculturaleventsthroughoutManitoba.Theagesofourstudentsrangefrom8to18andweanticipatemoreeveryyear.

Thisisanexcellentprogramforouryouthwhoareatriskforseveralreasons:• Havingsuccessinfiddlingisatremendousboostertoself-esteemforstudentswhootherwisestruggleinschool.• Studentswhotakeaninterestinfiddling,andmanydo,spendhourspracticingandplayingathome,whichisapositive

experienceasopposedtoengaginginunhealthyactivitiessuchassmoking,drinking,etc.• Culturally,Fiddlingisanexcellentprogrambecauseitisalong-standingMétistradition.Thispositiveconnectionwith

theirrootsisasourceofprideintheirfamiliesandinthecommunity.• Musichasbeenproventostimulatethebrainintheareaofmathematicsandlogic.

Inthepastfiveyears,ourfiddlershavetakenpartinmanyeventsandhaveperformedinpublicinmanycommunities.

OurPerforminggrouphasplayedinmanycommunitiesandatseveralveryspecialoccasions.TheyaresopopularthroughouttheInterlakeandinWinnipegtheyhaveactuallyhadtodeclineafewofferstoperform.

ThebiggestthrillandhonorforthisgroupwasperforminginWashingtonD.C.fortheopeningceremoniesoftheMétisexhibitattheSmithsonianinstitute.TheyhavealsoperformedonthebigstageattheForksinWinnipeg.AswelltheyhaveplayedinschoolsinWinnipegandPortagelaPrairie,atcommunityeventsinElie,Woodlands,Teulon,Clandeboye,andofcourse,St.Laurent.TheyhavealsoperformedonthebigstageattheForksinWinnipeg.AswelltheyhaveplayedinschoolsinWinnipegandPortagelaPrairie,atcommunityeventsinElie,Woodlands,Teulon,Clandeboye,andofcourse,St.Laurent.TheyhavealsomadetwofiddleCD’swhichareforsaleattheeventsthattheyplayat.

ThisgroupistheprideandjoyofourcommunityandourprogramhasbeeninstrumentalinrevivingaMétistradition,whichwasindangerofbeinglost.

Program Description: Literacy and NumeracyAnumeracysupportteacherhasbeenhiredtosupportnumeracyinitiativesatSt.LaurentSchool(.25).Theteacherwillassessindividualstudentsandteacherswithinterventionsandstrategiestoassisttheselearners.• AliteracysupportteacherhasbeenhiredtosupportliteracyiniativesatSt.LaurentSchool(.25).Theteacherwillassess

individualstudentsfromK-6andidentifystrugglinglearners.Theteacherwillprovidestudentsandteacherswithinterventionsandstrategiestoassisttheselearners.

• Agrade7-12supportteacher(.9)hasbeenhiredtoprovideaprogramthatsupportsstudentsandteachersinallacademicareas.Specificallyintheareasofcreditrecoveryandalternativeprogramming.

Program Description: Aboriginal Cultural Awareness and Proficiency• AdivisionalAAAplanningteamwillbeplanningactivities(speakers,PD,forstaffandstudentsintheareasofcultural

proficiency)toimproveawarenessandunderstandingoftheaboriginalperspective(historicalandcontemporary).

Contact:DavidHalldorson,PrincipalEmail:[email protected]:204-646-2209


Goal of program:• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Academic Achievement

Initiativesintheschooldivisionareschool-based.TheseschoolssecuremoremoneybecauseofthenumberofMétisfamiliesinthecommunities.Studentsinmiddleyearsarebusedtoaneighbouringcommunitysotheyhavetheopportunitytodohome-economics.Underthedirectionoftheclassroomteacher,educationalassistantsprovideone-on-oneinterventiontomeettheneedsofstudents.

Contact:PaulineLafond-Bouchard,SuperintendentEmail:[email protected]:204-746-2317ext.223


Goals of program:• StrengthenthesenseofbelongingandprideamongAboriginallearnersintheirculturalheritage• DeepentheunderstandingandappreciationofCanada’sFirstPeoplesamongstudentsfromotherculturalbackgrounds• Supportteachersandstudentsincurriculumandclassroomprogramdevelopment• EnhanceAboriginalacademicachievement

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Academic Achievement (AAA) Programming

Theprogram-fundedthroughaspecialgrantfromManitobaEducation-allowsustoprovideauthenticandsuccessfulAboriginalculturalprogrammingtoourstudentsandstaffbyintegratingAboriginalhistoryandperspectivesintothecurriculumandofferingavarietyofculturalandcurricularlearningactivitiesinourschools.

Someofourlearningactivitiesinclude:

• Teamteachingtoenhancestudents’learningexperiences• TraditionalteachingsbyourDivisionalElders• SmudgeceremoniesandSharingCircles• Guestpresentersandteacherssharingculturalwisdomondrumming,Tipi,MedicineWheel,SevenSacredTeachings,

danceandplantmedicines• Afterschoolculturalclubsforstudentsfromgrades4to8• Aboriginalrolemodel/mentorshipsfromAAAstaffforstudents• Divisionalcommunitypowwows• OjibweandCreelanguageworkshops• Culturally-focusedfieldtrips• Culturalprofessionaldevelopmentforourschoolstaff• Curriculumdevelopmentandprogramplanningwithourschools• ClassroompresentationsonthehistoryoftheFirstPeoplesofCanada

Amainfactorinoursuccessisour“MedicineWheel-AllFourNations”approachtosharingculturalknowledge,whichmeansstudentsandstafffromallculturalandethnicbackgroundsparticipateinourAAAactivities.

Contact:JasonDrysdale,AssistantSuperintendentEmail:[email protected]:204-667-7130


Goals of program:• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities

Description of program/initiative:WehavethreeprogramsthatwehaveimplementedinourcommunityschoolwhichourRollingRiverFirstNationsstudentsattend.PleasenotethattheseprogramsarenotattendedexclusivelybyRRFNstudents,althoughtheyareinitiativesresultingfromaneedamongourAboriginalstudentpopulation:

All Day, Every Day Kindergarten–thiswillbeoursecondyearoftheallday,everydaykindergartenprogram.TheRRSDdesignatesalargeamountoftheAAAgranttosupportthisprogram.Ourgoalistoensurethatallourstudentsaresociallyandemotionallyreadyfromgradeone,sotheprogramisplay-based,literacyrich,andfocusedonsocialskills.

Literacy Intervention for Grade Two–beyondthe“usual”supportsofResource,ReadingRecovery,SuccessMaker,etc.,wehavealsoimplementedanEYinterventionprogramtohelpstrugglingreaderswhodidnotparticipateinReadingRecoveryprogramandwhoarenotyetready“atlevel”.

Equine Assisted Learning –thisprogramisforourhighneeds/highriskstudentsinMYandSYwhostruggleinschool.Thepurposeoftheprogramistogivestudentsanopportunitytoexploretheirstrengths,developsocialskills,increasetheirlevelofconfidenceanddevelopasenseofselfpride.TheEquineAssistedLearningtakesplaceatUpperLeft7Ranch,nearErickson.

Contact:MargJanssen,AssistantSuperintendentEmail:[email protected]:204-867-2754


Goals of program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Others:Seebelow

Descriptive title of program/initiative: Initiatives in Aboriginal Education: Aboriginal Academic Achievement (AAA)

ADivisionalSteeringCommitteedevelopedastrategicplan(PATH)forAboriginalEducationintheDivision.TheCommitteeconsistsofstudents,parentsandcommunitypartners.

ProgramminginitiativesinAboriginaleducationintheDivisionfocuson:• developingpositiveself-identitiesthroughindividualhistories,cultures,traditionalvalues,positiverolemodels

• improvingtheacademicoutcomesandgraduationratesofAboriginalstudents

• exploringwaystoengageparentsofstudentsofAboriginalheritageinmeaningfulways,suchasparticipationonschoolanddivisionaladvisorycommittees

• strengtheningcommunityinvolvementbydevelopingcommunityculturalspacessuchasparentrooms

• gatheringandanalyzingdatarelatedtoacademicachievementwithintheDivisioninordertoidentifytrendsandexploreimplicationsforprogramming

• exploringNativeStudiescoursesandAboriginallanguageprogramming

• offeringmini-grantopportunitiestoschoolsandengagingAboriginalandnon-Aboriginalstudentswithineachschool.SchoolsapplyforfundsfromtheDivision,whichcanbeusedinavarietyofwaystoinfuseAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculaandschoolculture:literacy/numeracyandcurricularmaterials,elders,Aboriginalrolemodels,entertainers,communitygatherings,theatreandmusicevents.

• involvingnon-Aboriginalstudentsininitiativestohelpallstudentsgainabetterunderstandingandrespectforthehistory,cultures,traditionalvalues,contemporarylifestyles,andtraditionalknowledgeofAboriginalpeoples.

Toattainthesegoals,avarietyofsupportsandresourceshavebeenprovidedtoschools.TheCoordinatorofStudentServices,theAboriginalAcademicAchievementTeacherandtheAboriginalLiaisonworkincollaborationwithEducationalSupportServices/StudentServicespersonneltosupportclassroomteachersastheyinfuseAboriginalperspectivesintocurricula.Workshops,co-teachingopportunities,andcurricularresourcesandmaterialsareprovidedforteachersandadministratorsinordertobuildtheirknowledgeofthedistinctworldviewofAboriginalcultures.Aresourcelibraryandteachingkitshavebeendevelopedforteachersandschools.Localevents,news,andsupportsarepostedregularlyonthedivisionalAboriginalResourcesconferencesite.Eachschoolhasarepresentativewhoisresponsibleformaintainingandsharingwithstafftheschool’sresourcebinderwhichconsistsofup-to-datecontacts,resources,andculturalinformation.ATalkingCircleprogramhasbeenimplementedinschools.

Amanualwasalsocreatedtoassistschoolswiththeimplementationofthisprogram.Co-teachingopportunitiesbetweentheAAAteacherandclassroomteachershasencouragedtheinfusionofAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculumbymodelinglessondesign,materialselection and instructional techniques and strategies. WorkshopsonculturalawarenesshavealsobeenprovidedforteachersacrosstheDivision.

Contact:TanisPshebniski,AssistantSuperintendent,EducationandProgram,St.James-AssiniboiaSchoolDivisionEmail:[email protected]:204-888-7951


Goals of program 1:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities

Description of program/initiative: Three Regional Aboriginal Engagement ActivitiesSeineRiverSchoolDivision’sthreeregions,west,centralandeast,eachdesignayearlyactivitytoengageAboriginallearnersintheircommunities.Eachregionismadeupofthehighschoolanditspartners,K-8schools.

Inthewesternregiontheschoolsparticipateintwofieldtripswhichincludestudentsselectedfromalltheschoolsintheregion.ThispastyearthetwofieldtripswereafishingtriptoCrowduckLakeandavisittothePetroformsintheWhiteshellProvincialPark.AneldermetthegroupatthePetroformsandgavea‘guidedtour’oftheareaandexplainedthespiritualmeaningforthestudents.InthecentralregionaCareerFairwasarrangedforallstudents,aboriginalandnonaboriginal.Thehighschoolhostedthefairandallthegrades7and8studentsfromthepartnerschoolsattendedandhadanopportunitytolearnaboutcareersinallwalksoflife;thesessionswereledbypeoplepracticinginthoseprofessions.

TheeasternregioncelebratedtheYearoftheMétisandthestudentsinallfourschoolsbuilthalfsizedRedRiverCarts.AMétiscarpentertaughtthestudentsthehistoryofthecartsandtheirimportancetotheMétispeopleinManitoba.Heassistedtheminbuildingauthenticcartsandassemblingthemintheschools.

Goals of Program 2: • ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities

Description of program/initiative: Building Academic SuccessSeineRiverSchoolDivisionhasinitiatedadivisionwideassessmenttrackingplanwherethenumeracyandliteracygainsaregathered.SeptemberandJuneassessmentdatainnumeracyiscollectedandcharted.InliteracythedataiscollectedinSeptember,December,MarchandJune.ThedataisabletoidentifystudentsofAboriginaldescent,Ifstudentsarenotmakinggains,parentsarecontactedandadaptationsareprovidedtoenhancetheirprograms.

PartoftheAAAgrantisgivenasassistanceforstudentsthroughresourceprogramming.

Goals of Program 3:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal LeadershipInSt.NorbertCollegiatetheAboriginalstudentshavetheopportunitytoparticipateinanAboriginalLeadershipGroup.Thegroupmeetsregularlytosupporteachotheranddeveloptheirleadershipskills.

Oneofthemaingoalsistocreateawelcomingandsupportiveenvironmentforthestudents.Allstudentsarewelcometojointhegroup.Throughouttheyeartherearevarioustopicschosenbythegroupand‘experts’areinvitedtospeakwiththegroup.ThesessionsareledbytheclassroomteacherwhoteachestheAboriginalPerspectivescourseandthesocialworkclinician.

Contact:ElaineLochhead,AssistantSuperintendentofStudentServicesEmail:[email protected]:204-878-4713


Goals of program:• ToincorporateAboriginalPerspectiveintoCurriculaareas• ToimproveoutcomesforAboriginalLearners• EngageAboriginalLearnersandCommunity

Highlights:• AboriginalEducationPolicypassedinAprilof2013thatincludeafocusonCurriculum,professionaldevelopment,

Aboriginallanguages,ParentandCommunityInvolvement,StudentSupports,employmentequity,andAccountability:AssessmentandEvaluation

• DivisionalTeamTeacherLeaderofAboriginalEducation/CATEPCoordinatorposition• DivisionalElderinResidenceposition• DivisionalAboriginalartistinresidenceposition• DivisionalPathCommitteemadeupof2representativesfromeachschool• Grade9IndigenousEnrichedLearningCoursesofferedatallthreeofourhighschools• DivisionrepresentativeontheAboriginalCircleofEducatorscommittee• ContinuedpartnershipwiththeCouncilofAboriginalEducatorsinManitoba• Community-BasedAboriginalTeacherEducationProgram(CATEP)twelvegraduatestodateandalltwelvehavebeen

hiredinourdivision• 65teacherscompletedtheTreatyEducationInitiativetrainingthroughtheTreatyRelationsCommissionofManitoba• 15TeacherscompletedthefourdayJourney’strainingfromCulturalAwarenesstoCulturalCompetencywiththe

ProvinceofManitoba• FreeCreeandOjibweclassesofferedafterschooltocommunitymembers• CreeandOjibweclassesofferedtostudentsthroughafterschoolHeritageLanguageclasses• AboriginalLeadershipCulturalCreditsbeingofferedatallthreeoftheHighSchools• FiddlingprogramsatElwick,MargaretPark,ÉcoleSevenOaksMiddleSchool(ÉSOMS)andRiverbendCommunity

Schools• DevelopingdivisionAboriginaleducationkitsforallgradelevels• Increaseincurriculamaterialandbookspurchased• PartneringwithKaniKanChihkwiththeRestoringtheSacredyouthcomingfromNorthern/RuraltoUrbanareaattend

highschool• Wayfinders,afterschoolmentorshipandacademicsupportsofferedtohighschoolstudents• ThreeBSSAPsites2fundedthroughtheProvinceofManitobaandtheotherfundedbythedivision• AllthreehighschoolshaveestablishedAboriginalStudentLeadershipgroups• AdministratorsAnnualconferenceshavebeenfocusedaroundAboriginalEducationforthepasttwoyearsDescription of Programs/Initiatives: Building Capacity• ParentsandCommunityInvolvement&Partnerships• Ongoing0-5programmingcontinuingtobedevelopedtoengageAboriginalparentsandcommunity(several

communityeventsheld)• Continuetofacilitatepublicawarenessaboutdivisioninitiativesandpartnershipsthroughschool,Professional

DevelopmentCatalogue,divisionnewslettersandthroughtheCouncilofAboriginalEducatorsofManitoba• CulturalConnectCommunityeventsheldinseveralschoolsinthedivision,promotingthesimilaritiesratherthan

thedifferencesthroughdrumming,danceandfood,thesehaveincludedthePunjabi,Hindi,Aboriginal,PilipinoandUkrainiancultures

• PartneringwithIndspirethroughtheirNurturingCapacityandtheirEducatorcoachingprograms• AboriginalEducationSchoolCommitteesgrowing(EdmundPartridge,A.E.Wright,MargaretPark,Elwick,Victory,

ÉSOMS,Belmont,ForestPark,AmberTrails,LeilaNorth,GardenCityCollegiateandMaplesCollegiate)• LargestDivisionalPowWowandFeastheldtodate2013/2014• TransitioningYouthfromNortherntoUrban-ReturningtoSacredKaniKaniChihkpartnershipcontinues• Schoolfamilyfeaststoengagethecommunitycontinuetogrow(EdmundPartridge,A.E.Wright,Elwick,Victory,

MargaretPark,MaplesCollegiate,ForestParkandR.F.Morrison)• Schoolsgiven$5000towardsengagingAboriginalparentsandstudentsaroundAboriginaleducation


• SevenOaksSchoolDivisionhostedthe2014-2015BuildingStudentSuccesswithAboriginalParentsgathering,severalparents’facilitatedworkshopsaswellassomeofourstudents

• CommunityconsultationscontinuearoundSevenOaksSchoolDivision’sAboriginalEducationPolicyrubric• Divisionhostedthe2014CouncilofAboriginalEducatorsSAGEConference• MaintainingpartnershipswiththeTreatyCommissionofManitoba,AboriginalDirectorate(UrbanAboriginal

NetworkingGroup),ManitobaAboriginalYouthAchievementAwards(MAYAA),BurtAwards,AboriginalAcademicAchievementInterdivisionalcommittee(AAA),ManitobaEducationCitizenandYouth(curriculumCommittee),MennoSimmonsPeaceBuildingProject,CaringforOurWatershedProgram(ESD),NativeWomen’sAssociationofCanada,MarymoundInc.,ManitobaAboriginalWriterscollective,IndigenousEducationResourcecenterandlocalcommunityeldersandknowledgekeepers

• AboriginalEducationWebpageonthedivision’swebsiteincludesresources,eventscalendar,professionaldevelopmentopportunitiesandvariousinformation

• MaintainconnectionswiththeAboriginalCircleofEducatorsthroughparticipationintheirconferenceaswellasnominationsofstafffortheirAnnualAboriginalEducationAwards

• DivisionalTeamTeacherLeaderpositiondeveloping,supportingandenhancingAboriginalEducationInitiatives.Focusonbuildingcapacity,increasecommunityconnectionsandincreasestudentsupportsthroughprofessionaldevelopment,awarenessandeducation,training,networkbuildinganddevelopmentofnewdivisionalresources/programs:buildingondivisionsuccessesandcreatingnewlearningandinitiatives

• Makingconnectionsbetweenestablishedprogramsandnewinitiatives,creatingopportunitiesforourCATEPEA’stoparticipateindivisionAboriginalEducationProfessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesandtoalsoleadsomeoftheprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesinthedivisionandcommunity

Literacy:• CriticalReviewofAboriginalliteratureinourlibrariesandprofessionaldevelopmentoffered• Books,DVD’swithappropriateAboriginalcontent• Aboriginalcommunitymembersinvitedinfor“ILovetoRead“month• Grade2-5IntergradingAboriginalLiteratureseriesofferedtostaff• IndigenouswritersWorkshopsbeingofferedatall3levels• SeveralbookswithanAboriginalperspectivepurchasedforthedivision• Traditionalhanddrummingworkshopsbeingheld

Art, Music and Dance• UrbanIndigenousTheatreCompanyworkedwith100studentsfromearlyandmiddleschools(LeilaNorth,Riverbend,

H.CAveryandO.VJewitt)ProductiontookplaceatSislerHighSchoolonMay30th,2014• PowWowClubscontinuetobeofferedatmanyofourschools• Beadingclubsofferedatmanyofourschools• MaplesCollegiateofferingatraditionaldrumclub• Wayfindersofferingatraditionaldrumclub• Severalmuralprojectsgoingoninschools• Fiddlingprogramcontinuingtogrow• TraditionalrattlesmadeatÉSOMS,A.E.WrightandForestParkSchools• SierraNoblevisitedmanyofourschools• DonAmeroVisitedmanyofourschools• AshamStomperstaughttraditionaljiggingatVictorySchoolandA.E.Wright• AshamStompersandSagkeeng’sfinestperformatVictoryandA.E.WrightSchools• 24traditionalhanddrumsmadefordivisionalclassroomuse


Opportunities created for Aboriginal Students to connect with the community:• ManitobaAboriginalYouthachievementAwards• Kanikanichk’sKeepingtheFire’sBurningHonouringourGrandmothersgalasAwardsBanquet• Heritagelanguage/culturallearningopportunities• BurtAwards• IndigenousWritersCollective• IndspireEducationdays• Indspireawards• WASAC• KeepingBalanceconference• Aboriginalleadershipgroup• LandbasedTeachingwithcommunityelders• RedRiverCollegecampusvisittotheAboriginalStudentCenterandpresentationstostudentsfromtheChildandYouth

Careprogram• UniversityofWinnipegvisittotheAboriginalStudentCenterandpresentationfromtheAccessprogramcoordinator• UniversityofManitobavisittotheAboriginalStudentcenterandpresentationfromtheEngapprogram

Contact:BernadetteSmith,CATEPCoordinatororRebeccaChartrand,AboriginalEducationTeacherTeamLeaderE-mail:[email protected]@7oaks.orgTel:Bernadette204-250-7253orRebecca204-256-3652


Goals of program:• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities• Other–Engagingnon-AboriginallearnersinAboriginalissues/perspectives

Description of program/initiative: Cultural AwarenessSouthwestHorizon’sSocialJusticeCommitteehasorganizedaone-dayculturalfairfocusedonlocalAboriginalandMétisculturesforallGrade9studentswithinthedivision.Aboriginalperformers,artists,andspeakerswillshareAboriginalcultureandperspectivewithstudents,staffandcommunity.Activitieswillincludehoopdancing,storytelling,crafts,foodsampling,discussionswitharepresentativefromtheTreatyRelationsCommission,drummingandapowwowdemonstration.

Contact:RobynBrigden,CurriculumCoordinatorE-mail:[email protected]:204-483-6234


Goals of program:• StudentLearning• StudentBelonging• ParentalInvolvement

Description of Initiative:WehaveaDivisionalAboriginalEducationCommittee(AEC)thathasrepresentativesfromthemajorityofourschools.

Eachschoolsubmitsyearlyplansinvolvingthethreedivisionalgoals.Eachschoolisalsorequiredtohavesomeformofa“cluborgroup”thatisrunbyAboriginalstudentswhichfocusonbelonging.

Wemeasureourinitiativesfocusingon“Grades,GradsandGoingtoclass”.

Aswell,ourAECholdsatwodayAboriginalCelebrationDays.Closeto450studentstakepartinavarietyofculturalactivities.

Contact:Dr.LesleyEblieTrudel,AssistantSuperintendentofStudentSupportServicesE-mail:[email protected]:204-268-6538


Goals of program:• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Academic Achievement Projects

• Strongfocusonacademicachievement;literacy,numeracy,homework.• Kurzwell,readingintervention/programisbeingusedbystudentswhohavebeenidentifiedashavingareading

challenge.Itisanempoweringtoolforthesestudents.• OtherstudentsaccesstheBartonReadingProgramtoassisttheminovercomingreadingdifficultiesintheareaof

decoding.• Pro3000assessmentsarebeingusedtosupportstudentsincareerdevelopmentallowingstudentstoconnectschoolto

theirlivesandfuture.• Apprenticeshipoptionhasallowedstudentstomakeconnectionsandstayinschool.• ApartnershipwiththeAdultEducationCentrehasallowedsomestudentstoremaininschoolduetotheirflexibilityin

programming.• CareertechnologyhasallowedAboriginalstudentstoseeviablecareerpossibilities.• StrongconnectionwithCareerTrekismaintained.Studentsparticipateintheprogramannually.• SocialemotionalsupportsareinplaceforstudentsthroughmentalhealthandAFMserviceswithintheschoolsetting.

Contact:TanyaEdgar,AssistantSuperintendentofStudentServicesE-mail:[email protected]:204-523-7531


Goals of the program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Education

Datacollectiononacademicachievementisgatheredandanalyzedtoimproveprogrammingandensuresuccessofouraboriginalstudents.

Focusonbuildingsocialandacademicengagementofaboriginalstudents.

Contact:CindyKutzner,AssistantSuperintendentofStudentServicesE-mail:[email protected]:204-822-4448


Goals of the program:• IncorporatingAboriginalperspectivesintothecurriculum• ImprovingoutcomesforAboriginallearners• EngagingAboriginallearnersandcommunities

Description of program/initiative: Aboriginal Education

Aboriginal Education Support TeachersFiveAboriginalEducationSupportTeacherpositionshavebeenestablishedtoassiststaffand/orstudentsindesignatedschoolsintheareasofprogramandprofessionaldevelopment.TheAboriginalEducationSupportTeacherworkscollaborativelywiththeDistrictSuperintendentofSchools,DirectorofAboriginalEducation,AboriginalEducationConsultantstofacilitatethiswork.TheAboriginalEducationSupportTeachersareresponsiblefor:• providingin-classmodeling,coachingandconsultationsforidentifiedteachers;• providingparticipatingteacherswithin-servicingrelatedtoeffectivepracticesintheintegrationofAboriginal

perspectivesacrossthecurricula;• researchinganddevelopingresourcesandmaterialsforteachers;• assistingwithregularlyscheduledmeetingsforAboriginalAchievementcontactsfromeachschoolinthedistrict;and

consultingwithschooladministratorsregardingDistrictandschoolinitiativesintheareaofAboriginaleducation.

Community Support Workers (Aboriginal) Therearecurrentlyatleast18schoolsintheWSDthathaveCommunitySupportWorkers.Thefocusofthisprogramistodeveloppositiverelationshipsamongsttheschool,theparents,andthecommunity.Specificallytheprogrampromotesmutualunderstandingandstrengthenscommunicationbetweenallparticipants.Thereisparticularemphasisonprovidingencouragementandsupporttofamiliestobeactivelyinvolvedwiththeirchild(ren)’seducation.Underthedirectionoftheschoolprincipal,theCommunitySupportWorker:• providessupporttoparentstoincreasecommunicationbetweenfamilies,schoolandcommunity,ieParentRooms,• actsasaliaisonbetweenschoolandparents,• facilitatesandcoordinatesworkshopsforparents,• coordinatesculturalactivities;and• networkswithoutsideagenciesandcommunityorganizations.

Aboriginal Language Support TeachersTwoAboriginalLanguageSupportTeacherpositionshavebeenestablishedintheWinnipegSchoolDivision.TheAboriginalLanguageSupportTeacherdeliversOjibweorCreeclassroomprogrammingandprovidesAboriginalLanguageinstructiontostaffinorderthattheymaydevelopandimplementappropriateAboriginalSecondLanguageProgramming.Eightschoolsparticipateintheprogramtodate.

UndertheSupervisionoftheDirectorofAboriginalEducationtheAboriginalLanguageSupportTeacher:• guidestheimplementationoftheKindergartentoGrade12AboriginalLanguagesFrameworkofOutcomes,• promotesandsupportsAboriginalHighSchoolstudentssothattheymayacquireuptofourSpecialLanguageCredits,• adaptanddevelopcurriculatomeetthespecificneedsoftheprogram,• assistintheidentification,acquisitionanddevelopmentofmaterialsforusebytheinstructionalstafftopromote

awarenessandfluencyinspecificlanguage,• assistintheorganizationanddevelopmentofschoolbasedcoursesinlanguageandinformationsessionsforparents

andcommunity.• EighteenteachersparticipateinAboriginalLanguagetrainingcourses.


Aboriginal SchoolsTherearetwodesignatedAboriginalSchoolswithintheWinnipegSchoolDivision.ChildrenoftheEarthHighSchooloffersgrades9-12andNijiMahkwaoffersgradesNursery-8.• BothschoolsofferrichculturalandAboriginallanguageprogrammingalongsidequalityacademicprogramming.• ChildrenoftheEarthoffersculturallyappropriateprogrammingforfemalestudents.TheKamahmobeyotIkwezanzsuk

Program(GirlsSittingTogether)isofferedtograde9students.• Plansareunderwaytoofferculturallyappropriateprogrammingformalesingrades9and10throughtheOshkiinniek

KabahbiindigaotProgram(YoungMenEntering).• ChildrenoftheEarthhoststheMedicalInternshipProgramatthePanAmclinic.• NijiMahkwahoststheInnerCityScienceCentre.ThisisintendedtoprovideAboriginalstudentswithlearning

experiencesthatwillenhancetheirknowledgeandinterestofSciencerelatedcareers.

Aboriginal Off Campus ProgramsThereareseveraldivisionwideOff-CampusprogramstargetingAboriginalStudentswithAboriginalspecificprogramming.OffCampusofferssmallerclasses,fewertransitionsandteachers.• WiWabigooni(Grades2-6)• RisingSun(grades9-12)• EagleCircle(grades7-9)• N’dinawe(grades9-12)• Songi‘dewin(grades9-11orGED)• KaakiyawLiMoondLikol,(grades10-12)

Curriculum Development & PublicationTheWinnipegSchoolDivisionhasdevelopedandpublishedtenAboriginaleducationteachingresourcesincludingagrade9to12AboriginalLanguageprogram.TheseresourcessupportteachersinbringingAboriginalperspectivesintoclassroomsacrossthedivision.• TheseresourcescanbepurchasedthroughtheManitobaTextbookBureau.• FiftysevenAboriginalEducationkitshavebeendevelopedandareavailableforloantoschoolsfromLibrarySupport

ServicesinWSD.

Professional DevelopmentTheAboriginalEducationDepartmentprovideson-goingprofessionaldevelopmenttoteachersandadministratorsthroughouttheDivision.• ProfessionallearningsessionsvaryandrangeintopicfromWinterSolsticeGatherings,WaterandTipiTeachings,

ResidentialSchools,IncorporatingAboriginalDistinctiveLearningOutcomesinSocialStudies,CurrentTopicsinFirstNations,MetisandInuitStudies40S,Grade7&8EngagementprojectutilizingHolisticFrameworksfoundinFirstNationsWaysofteachingandLearning,toBuildingLeadershipCapacityinAboriginalEducation.

• Teachersareofferedopportunitiestoworkwithauthors,artists,musiciansandcrafterssuchasMichaelKusugak,DaveBouchard,JackieTraverse,LitaFontaine,WinstonWuttunee.

• Annuallyoneprofessionaldevelopmentseriesdrawsheavilyontheteachingsofelders.In2010-2011thefocuswasboysandgirlsteachings.ThisyearthefocusisontheelementsfireandwaterandtheirapplicationtoEducationforSustainableDevelopment.

• Oneschool,incollaborationwiththeUniversityofWinnipeg,offersUniversityLevelcreditcoursestostaffacrosstheWSDfocusingonAboriginalEducation,TeachingandLearning.


(AAA) Aboriginal Academic Achievement School RepresentativesAllschoolsidentifyAAArepresentativesandhe/sheparticipatesinfourhalfdaymeetingsoverthecourseoftheyear.Thepurposeofthesemeetingsistohelpschoolsstaycurrentwithpedagogy,informationandresourcesrelatedtoAboriginalAcademicAchievement.Usingavarietyofvehicles,AAArepresentativespromoteandsharetheinformationandresourcesregularlywithstaffattheirschoolsites.

Education Assistants (AAA)All77schoolsacrosstheWinnipegSchoolDivisionareprovidedwithsomeEducationAssistanttime.TheEducationAssistantsareusedto:• Provide1:1academicsupport• SupportextracurricularprogrammingrelatedtoAboriginalculturalorlanguageactivities• Provide1:1socialsupports

Community Based Aboriginal Teacher Education ProgramTohelpincreasethenumberofAboriginalteachersinthedivision,theCommunityBasedAboriginalTeacherEducationProgramwascreatedincollaborationwithSevenOaksSchoolDivisionduringthe2005-2006SchoolYear.• TheprogramgivesparaprofessionalsintheWinnipegSchoolDivisiontheopportunitytostudyeducationatthe

UniversityofWinnipegoverasix-yearperiod.• FromSeptembertoApril,employeesworkintheirrespectiveschoolswhileattendingclassparttime.FromMaytoJuly,

theyarereleasedfromtheirschooltoattenduniversityandstudentteachonafulltimebasis.• Uponcompletionoftheprogram,studentswillgraduatewithaBachelorofEducationandBachelorofArtsdegree.• SeventypercentofthestudentsfromthefirstgraduatingclassisfromWSD.• Presentlytherearemorethan28Aboriginalstudentsintheprogram.

Aboriginal Identity DeclarationTheWinnipegSchoolDivisionimplementedvoluntaryAboriginalIdentityprocessesin2003-2004forbothstaffandstudents.Presently38%ofstudentsand12%ofstaffvoluntarilydeclareAboriginalIdentity.

Priority, Policy, and ReportingAboriginalEducationwasastatedpriorityoftheWSDsince1993.AnAboriginalEducationPolicywasdevelopedin1996andrevisedin2005.ThepubliccanaccessthispolicyontheWSDwebsite.EachschoolisrequiredtoreportannuallyonAboriginalEducation.SomeschoolsidentifyAboriginalEducationasaseparatepriorityandreportgrowthonseparateoutcomes.OtherschoolsweaveAboriginalEducationstrategiesandindicatorsthrougheachoftheirschoolpriorities.

Annual AAA Gallery Walk & ShowcaseForthepastthreeyearstheWSDhasheldanannualAAAgallerywalkandelder’sshowcase.EachschoolisinvitedtoselectandshowcasetheirstrongestAboriginalEducationinitiative.Agallerywalkandelder’sfeastisheldandteachersacrossthedivisionareinvitedtoparticipateintheevent.Thenumberofschoolsinvolvedintheshowcaseandthequalityofprojectscontinuestoimprove.

Aboriginal Youth Leaders of TomorrowAllhighschoolsareinvitedtosendtwoorthreestudentstoenrichmentprogrammingtargetingleadership.Studentsparticipateinupto5opportunitiestolearnandbuildleadershipskills.Itisexpectedthatstudentswillapplytheirlearningattheirrespectiveschoolsites.Todate,25studentshaveparticipatedinthisinitiative.Avideotitled,AboriginalStudentSuccesswasdevelopedinthe2010-2011Schoolyear.

Aboriginal Education WebsiteAninternalWSDAboriginalEducationWebsitewasdevelopedin2006.ThepurposeofthissiteistoprovidecurrentinformationandresourcestostaffandstudentswithintheWSD.• Events,elders,resourcepeopleandopportunitiesarepostedregularly• Toimproveaccesstopost-secondary,ApprenticeshipandEmploymentopportunitiesforAboriginalstudents• ResultsofAAAgallerywalksareposted.


• Aboriginalcurriculumresourcesandlinksareposted• TosupportAboriginalLanguagesandAboriginalYouthLeadershipblogs.

Building Student Success with Aboriginal ParentsFifteenschoolsparticipateintheBSSAPinitiative.Thefocusisimprovingstudentsuccessinschoolbyimprovingparentengagement.Schoolsengageinanarrayofactivitiesincludingpow-wowclubs,starblanketmaking,nutritionbingo,foodfairs,jigging,squaredancing,fiddlingprogramsaswellastraditionalteachings.

Aboriginal Studies and Aboriginal Language coursesAvarietyofoptionalcoursesareavailableforstudentsinWinnipegSchoolDivision.• Aboriginalstudies40Sisofferedinatleastsixhighschools.• Aboriginalstudiescoursesavailableatgrades7-11level.• Aboriginallanguageisofferedatfivehighschools.

SomeMandatoryUnitsofstudyareprovidedtostudentsintheWSD.• Allgrade10studentswithintheWSDmustengageintheELAunit,EmergingAboriginalVoices.• FourteenschoolsareinvolvedintheGrade5/6TreatyEducationwiththeTRCM.• Thegrade11ResidentialSchoolsPilotcontinuesinWSD.

Pro-social Skills DevelopmentTopromotepro-socialskillsdevelopmentmanyschoolsusetheSevenOjibweteachings,Dr.MartinBrokenleg’sCircleofCourageModel,RestorativeprinciplesandtheMedicinewheelteachingsofreciprocity.Evidenceofthesemodelsaredemonstratedindailyannouncements,inassemblies,throughartisticvisualrepresentations,orthroughoutdoorclassroomsandgardens.

Education Assistants (AAA)All77schoolsacrosstheWinnipegSchoolDivisionareprovidedwithsomeEducationAssistanttime.TheEducationAssistantsareusedto:• Provide1:1academicsupport• SupportextracurricularprogrammingrelatedtoAboriginalculturalorlanguageactivities• Provide1:1socialsupports

Other Programming or Partnerships with outside Groups• DaycareorInfantLabsareavailableinsixWSDhighschools.OneofourschoolshousesaHeadStartProgram.• AboriginalstudentsacrosstheWSDcontinuetoparticipateinprogrammingprovidedbyschoolsinpartnershipwiththe

WinnipegSportAchievementCamps.• EightschoolsparticipateinanAboriginalYouthMentorshipprojectwiththeUniversityofManitobaFacultyof

Kinesiologywhichinvolvesbothelementaryandhighschoolstudents.• Atleast180InnerCitystudents,themajorityofwhomareAboriginal,areintroducedtopostsecondarylearning

throughCareerTrekandMini-Uprogramming.• Aboriginalrolemodels,throughavarietyofsourcesincludingPartnersforCareersareinvitedtospeakathighschools.

ManystudentsattendtheAboriginalCareerSymposium.• AcollaborativeprojectbetweentheMTYPandWSDprovide90grade5/6studentsannuallywiththeAboriginalArts

TrainingandMentorshipProgram.• SchoolcounsellorsatthehighschoollevelpromoteandencourageAboriginalStudentsfromrural/northernareasto

attendprogrammingatKaNiKanichihk-RestoringtheSacredandManitobaIndianEducationAssociation’sHonouringourSpiritsProgram.

• OpportunitiesforAboriginaladultlearnersareofferedthroughtheWinnipegAdultEducationCentre(VaughanStreetandOffCampus)andR.B.RussellVocationalHigh.

• ThirteenSchools,inpartnershipwiththeBoysandGirlsClub,offertheCommunitySchoolsInvestigators(CSI)Programtoreduceorminimizesummerlearningloss.

Contact:RobRiel,DirectorofAboriginalEducationEmail:[email protected]

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