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Administrative Procedure 202: FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS AND INUIT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING

Background

Students who are First Nations, Métis or Inuit will be positively encouraged to self-identify and will be encouraged to achieve or exceed the learner outcomes of the provincial program of study and complete high school.

The Division is committed to increasing the achievement of all students, including students identified as First Nation, Métis and Inuit. First Nation, Métis and Inuit educational programming will also provide opportunities for staff, students and the community to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of First Nation, Métis and Inuit histories, cultures, languages and lifestyles. The Division is committed to the success of every student and ensuring each student has every opportunity to succeed. The Division believes in the importance of giving voice to and engaging the Indigenous community in decisions that affect the education of their children.

Procedures

  1. First Nations, Métis and Inuit educational programming and services will operate in accordance with Alberta Education policy, guidelines and regulations to ensure high quality inclusive and culturally respectful learning and teaching opportunities.
     
  2. The Principal shall strengthen collaborative processes between school staff, students, parents, communities and other stakeholders, to improve the attendance and educational outcomes of students who are First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
     
  3. The Principal shall report progress annually on the achievement of students who are First Nations, Métis and Inuit and the strategies used to increase student achievement.
     
  4. The Principal shall ensure staff increase their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and languages, and support all students to do the same.
     
  5. School staff shall recognize and respect the role, participation and expertise of Elders and cultural advisors in the school, classrooms and at school-sponsored events or celebrations.
     
  6. The Principal shall permit the reasonable use of spiritual practices as part of celebrations or ceremonies to recognize the importance of spirituality as shared by local Elders.
     
  7. The Principal shall ensure that students and staff who are First Nations, Métis and Inuit have access to culturally sensitive support services when requested.
     
  8. The Division will provide support, resources and professional learning to school-based staff and liaisons to support the learning and achievement of students who are First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Reference:

Section 3,4,7,11,12,16,17,18,32,33,52,53,196,197,222 Education Act

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report

Guide to Education ECS to Grade 12

Alberta First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework (2002)

Ensuring First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Success: Leadership through Governance (ASBA, 2011)

Memorandum of Understanding for First Nations Education in Alberta (Alberta Education, 2013)

Successful Practices in First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education (Alberta Education, 2012)

 

Approved: August 21, 2018

Last Updated: October 16, 2019