ABORIGINAL (First Nations, Métis & Inuit) PROGRAMS

The Department of Aboriginal Programs supervises 20 Aboriginal Language Programs.  The programs represent the Aboriginal populations of the jurisdiction which are Woodland, and Plains Cree as well as Dene.  The department also monitors and administers a variety of Aboriginal cultural programs to the 24 schools it serves.

History

In 1983 nine Native Language programs were piloted in Northland Schools.  The pilots proved to be successful and as a result Northland School Division formulated a written Native Language policy.  In March 1987, the Native Education Policy was passed in legislature by the province of Alberta.  In February 2002 the First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Education Policy Framework was released.  This current framework guides and directs the work of the Aboriginal Programs Department.

The work of the Aboriginal Programs Department is consistent with the goals and the vision identified in the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework.  The mandate of the department is articulated through Procedure 204 in the Northland School Division Policy manual.

Initiatives by Native Programs

Some collaborative initiatives undertaken by the Native Programs Department include: the high school Cree courses Nîhiyawîwin 10, 20 and 30 which were co-published with Duval House Publishing in 1996.  CDs were also produced in 1996 and 1997 to accompany a series.  Pakân 4 (1997), P akân 5 (1998) and Pakân 6 (2001) an elementary Cree series were also published.

In-School Cultural Program

To meet the diverse cultural needs of its 24 communities, Northland School Division dispenses cultural funding to provide each school with the opportunity to provide cultural activities that are meaningful, relevant and specific to each community.  Activities can include experiences such as plays, campouts, music, art activities, native awareness days, native feasts, native honoring ceremonies, mini pow-wows, and Métis fiddling and dancing.

In addition, the department provides Aboriginal insight and expertise to Northland School Division at workshops and professional development days, conferences and at the orientation for new teachers.  Future planned activities include the implementation of Aboriginal Studies Programs for high school students in the division.  Finally, the department works collaboratively with other divisions and Alberta Education in the education of Aboriginal students.

Contact: Shelley Willier