traditional tales from park rangers · left-right: melody bastien, barbara smith, vera brate that...

First Nation Focus for Professional Development on Divisional Day

Tribute to Ellie Elliott & Stephen Harris from the Blackfoot People of Kainai and

Piikani An era of leadership that strongly promoted the well-being of

First Nation’s People is leaving Livingstone Range School Divi-

sion. Ellie Elliott, Superintendent and Stephen Harris, Associate

Superintendent are now retiring. During their administration the

numbers of professional First Nation staff have increased to

now include: 3 Child and Youth Care Workers, 3 Teachers, 2

Assistant Principals, 1 Clinical Consultant and 1 Native Liaison

Worker. The ongoing conversations and relationships with both

Piikani and Kainai Nations led to the establishment of the First

Nation Education Council in June 2013. The Board of Trustees

now enters into its second 3 Year Plan for First Nation, Metis &

Inuit Student Achievement (2012-2015). Ellie and Stephen

were honored for their contributions at a Feather Blessing at

F.P. Walshe School in June. We wish them well.

September 2013 Volume 3

First Nation, Métis, & Inuit (FNMI) Newsletter

LRSD had their annual Divisional Day on November 1, 2012 at Matthew Hal-ton High School and Canyon School. This was the final year of the First Na-tion, Metis & Inuit 3 Year Plan. The theme was “Blackfoot Way of Life”, along with the “Environment and Fine Arts Way of Life”. Veronica Smith pro-vided the blessing to begin the day and an honor song was sung to LRSD staff. Wilton Good Striker, a member of the Kainai First Nation, was the key-note speaker addressing the staff about the Blackfoot Way of Life. As a young child, Wilton learned to have compassion for others and shared his residential school and other life experiences with LRSD Staff. The FNMI Staff Working Committee contributed in various areas of this special day. At noon, a traditional native feast was served. It is an honor to note and cele-brate that LRSD is located within Blackfoot territory. Left-Right: Melody Bastien, Barbara Smith, Vera

Crowshoe, Shelley Spear Chief, Wilton Good Striker, Veronica Smith, Carolyn Little Mustache, Ellie Elliott, Lorraine Morning Bull, Lisa Crow-shoe and Crystal Good Rider.


Inside this issue:

Canyon School 2 WA Day School 4 GR Davis School 6

Napi Friendship 8

Walse Cross-roads

10

FP Walsh School 12

Matthew Halton School

14

LRSD Board Priorities

21

LRSD Key Contacts

27 Left-Right: Ellie Elliott, Peter Strikes With A Gun, Stephen Harris and Peter Weasel Mocca-sin.

CANYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – PINCHER CREEK


Camp Out for Grade 5 Students

Traditional Tales from Park Rangers

In June, Grade five teachers and students had another opportunity to hear some traditional tales from Alberta Park Rangers at Beauvais Lake Provincial Park. As we went exploring the wetlands ecosystem near the south end of Beauvais Lake, we were told stories about the ra-ven and the beaver. These stories come from Blackfoot tradition and were told to us by local Blackfoot Parks Of-ficers: Camina Many Chief and Deserae Yellow Horn. These two ladies come from Kainai and Piikani Nation. This was a fantastic experience for all our students to learn about.

From September 26th to 28th, Canyon School Grade 5 teachers and students had the privilege of attending a camp put on by Parks Canada in Waterton Lakes National Park. The whole group spent three days and two nights at Gladstone Camp and were introduced to the different ecosystems that are present in Wa-terton Park. We also had the privilege one night of hearing from Trina Healy

and Angie Provost, two women from the nearby Kainai and Piikani reserves. They talked with the students about their Native heritage and described for us how Native people interacted with the land and the wildlife of the area. Grade 5 students learned how buffalo was like a ‘walking Walmart’ for the Blackfoot people and that they used every part of the animals they killed to help them survive and thrive in this harsh country both summer and winter. Students were fascinated by the stories told by these two volunteers and still continue to refer back to what they learned that evening, as we study Native people from across Canada in our Social Studies curriculum.

‘walkingWalmart’fortheBlackfoot

people…”

“Grade5studentslearnedhow

buffalowaslikea

CANYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL– PINCHER CREEK

Canyon School Breakfast Club Oki Every morning, on school days, Melodie Bastien prepared breakfast for approximately 19 students. The menu consisted of: Cereal, yogurt, granola, smoothies, ham and eggs, bacon–n-eggers and French toast. By following Canada’s Food Guide, the above listed were chosen as breakfast items for the students. The funding came from the Breakfast Club of Canada. Our students’ favorite day was on Friday mornings—with ham and eggs. For Melodie, the best part of the breakfast program was spending quality time with the students before they headed off to class, listening to their stories about what is happening in their lives, school and friends. It kept Melodie in the loop about how the students were doing each day and creating that sense of belonging where chil-dren feel safe and loved and wanting to share anything and everything with this lovely lady. The sense of family that was established was fantastic and Melodie will miss it very much as she is completing her final year at Canyon School. We would like to thank her for all her hard work and commitment!

Nitoyis Program The Nitoyis program was created by Melodie Bastien and Crystal Good Rider to create a sense of cultural awareness for all students in Canyon school. It was open to all Canyon School students to participate and learn about the Blackfoot way of life. The program was built into the Synergy Group time on Fridays. The Nitoyis Program had Elders from Piikani come in and tell stories and led activities with the students. The intent was to invite community into the school. We ran 3 consecutive sessions for 8 weeks. The high-light was the science component in which the stu-dents made slime with scientist, Michelle Hogue. Leo Pard came and spoke about the buffalo and showed students his artifact collection. William Big Bull came, showing and explaining how

the Blackfoot used many plants and herbs for many purposes. Wilfred Yellow Wings Sr. came and spoke about the role and responsibilities of the male and female in our culture. Veronica Smith came in to teach the students how to pray in Blackfoot. Ramona Big Head came and did a skit on Napi and the Rock with the students. We did family trees and many art projects based on Blackfoot stories. Canyon School was able to have Elders come into the school by donations from Piikani Youth and Education Foundation, Traditional Knowledge Services and LRSD FNMI initiatives.


The Grade 3 students went on a field trip to Writing on Stone and were given the privilege of being able to take a tour in the restricted area of the park. After we entered the restricted area, we were brought to the pictographs (rock paintings) and petroglyphs (rock carvings) on the stone walls that stand beside the Milk River. Our interpreters explained the significance of some of the artwork and we learned valuable information about the First Nation People’s cul-ture and history including vision quests, Blackfoot language, sacred places, fighting strategies, and Napi stories. After the tour, Grade 3 students ventured down into the hoodoos and climbed around in one of nature’s most spectacular playgrounds.


W.A. DAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL– FORT MACLEOD

FNMI Infusion in Literacy and Numeracy

W.A. Day provided multiple opportunities for FNMI cultural awareness, especially about the Blackfoot culture, to unfold in the school community. Traditional stories of Blackfoot history and culture were presented to students through an ex-panded collection of literature within W.A. Day School. The school purchased a collection of lifelike animal puppets that can be used when sharing many of the stories. Ways of life for Blackfoot people come from animals such as the Eagle, Deer, Buffalo and Napi. These valuable literature resources have been used by all staff and students integrating FNMI awareness into their K-3 curriculums. The FNMI teacher, Carolyn Little Mustache, provided an ongoing bulletin with events, Blackfoot language and descriptions of various topics.

Student Venture to Writing On Stone

Blackfoot Pictographs at Writing-On-Stone Provin-cial Park.

Thomas King is hosted by WA Day for High School Students

Grade12 students at F.P. Walshe, Crossroads Campus and Matthew Halton High School studied one of Thomas King’s novels, and invited him to the School Division to speak with students. Thomas has a gift of finding humour in daily life of First Nation people. He is deeply connected to the Blackfoot people in the ar-ea and was once a professor in the Native American Studies Department at the University of Lethbridge. He encouraged students telling them “it didn't matter what age you are, you have imagination and can play with the act of writing”. He was well received and thanks to Alina Ascione, Clair Hockley, Karen Krammer, Barb Smith, Lisa Crowshoe, Carolyn Little Mustache and Connie Dersch-Gunderson for welcoming him into the Division.

Thomas King

W.A. Day celebrated National Aboriginal Day recognizing the unique heritage, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people of Can-ada. The staff and students had the opportunity to partici-pate in song and dance for an assembly while keeping beat to the drum and songs of the Piikani Crow Lodge Drummers.

W.A. DAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL– FORT MACLEOD

Students were quite engaged and often excited to hear traditional oral stories. Edwin Small Legs shared stories of the

buffalo and how important this animal was to the Blackfoot people.

A Blackfoot song of the Blackfoot people, using the drum, was introduced by Bob-by Plume. The students were entertained and heard the story about how a drum is assembled and who can own a drum or a song, according to Blackfoot people.

Throughout the school year, many classrooms had an opportunity to learn about FNMI ways of life. These included: clothing, food, shelter and oral stories. Visuals and articles were an important component in making the connection. One component that has had a positive effect on the Grade Two students was a pro-gram facilitated by Bernice Big Bull and coordinated by Karen Sparkes (Family School Liaison Counsellor). The program was called “Stop and Think” and it was part of our pro-social skills training. Song and dance is an important way of life for the FNMI people. W.A. Day stu-dents had the opportunity to meet and greet song writer and entertainer, Olivia Tail Feathers and students from the Kainai Nation.

Staff and students were inspired by the chants and beat of the drum. Olivia had all students engaged in her music.


National Aboriginal Day June 21

FNMI Infusion in Literacy and Numeracy

Painted Ponies Club

W. A. Day Painted Ponies Club has been busy throughout the year. Eighty-four students registered and participated in the club during noon-hour. This was the first year we opened the club to Grades One to Grades Three. The mission: To teach the whole child by engaging them in meaningful activities that will inspire, educate and build essential skills while creating cross cultural awareness and respect. Focus: Expressing Emotion, Language, Flora and Fau-na, Courage, Belonging, Mastery, Storytelling, Inde-pendence, Art, Music and Dance, Kinship Systems and shawl making for the female club members and yokes for the male fancy dancers.

Left—Right-Across-Down: FNMI Literacy Display, Edwin Small, Conrad Little Leaf, Sandra Lamouche, Bobby Plume and Laurie Lavorato.

Below: Ken Hart, Justin Zoeteman, Daryon Delaney, & Jewel Provost prepare to lead the grand entry. Ken Hart wears a head dress given to his father in-law who was captured as an honorary chief by the Kainai people.

In September 2012, Vera Crow Shoe and Peter Weasel Moccasin unveiled the Seven Traditional Teachings at G.R. Davis. Vera recognized that the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, reflected traditional Blackfoot values and protocols that she was raised with. With the guidance of Blackfoot Elders, she began to develop the Seven Traditional Teachings over several years. Each of these sev-en values is embodied by an animal which offers a special gift and understand-ing of how we should live our lives: Love- Eagle, Respect- Buffalo, Courage-Bear, Honesty-Dog, Wisdom- Beaver, Humility- Wolf, Truth- White Buffalo and the Sun. We believe that these values are essential to living a full and healthy life.

G.R. DAVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL– FORT MACLEOD


Seven Traditional Teachings Take Center Stage!

Ms. Crowshoe took the lessons of the Seven Traditional Teachings and made them into a play which they per-formed at the Christmas concert in December. The stu-dents were then asked to perform the play at the Universi-ty of Lethbridge in March 2013 for their Native Awareness Week celebrations. The students were very interested in participating and two casts were chosen to accommodate all the students. The students were also very dedicated and spent many hours rehearsing during lunch time!

This year G.R. Davis School said farewell to Vera Crow Shoe, who has been with G.R. Davis School for over 30 years as the Native Liai-son Worker. The students and staff would like to send their best wish-es to Ms. Crow Shoe in her new role at Kids First Family Center.

Left-Right: Vera Crowshoe and Peter Weasel Moccasin

Years of Dedication to Students and Families

Left-Right: Vera Crowshoe, Karsen Blackwater and Maddi Orr

Traditional Teachings Play at Christmas Concert G.R. Davis Students at the U of L

Incorporating Traditional Teachings into Fine Arts

G.R. Davis School has started a Native Dance Group and has been performing at different schools and community events. They have also been invited to several other communities to perform! A new addition to the group is Hoop Dancing, taught by Child and Youth Care Worker, Mrs. Lamouche. Another addition is Electric Powwow music by A Tribe Called Red. Electric Powwow combines tradi-tional powwow style with contemporary music beats. For us, this represents bringing the past into the present and making those teachings and traditions of our past relevant for younger generations. Through dance G.R. Davis students are able to share their Blackfoot culture and Native dance, as well as, serving as role models, cultural ambassadors and community leaders.

G.R. DAVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – FORT MACLEOD


Young Painted Horse takes the lead!

Native Students Dancing into a Bright Future!

This year the Young Painted Horse (YPH) group included a boys group and a girls group for a total of 51 students. The leadership group is based on traditional Blackfoot values and modeled after Blackfoot societies. Student leaders in the group had signed contracts when joining the YPH, where they agreed to maintain 80% or better attendance, positively repre-sent G.R. Davis School, complete all their assignments to the best of their ability and strive to live the 7 Habits both at home and school while maintaining the values of the 7 Tradition-al Teachings. Students also took leadership roles in the school helping with breakfast and lunch programs. Some of the activities YPH participated in included: skating, ice fishing, nature walks, archery, bowling, rock climbing, community service and tipi campout.

TheleadershipgroupisbasedontraditionalBlackfootvaluesandmodeledafterBlackfootsocieties.

Chelsie Harris Karsen Blackwater Bailey Davis

Trez Daychief, ice fishing!

Year in Review ...2012-2013


NAPI FRIENDSHIP CENTER - PINCHER CREEK

What a successful year at the Napi Friendship Centre! First and foremost, congratulations to our graduates! You worked very hard and now that work has paid off! We wish you all the best in your bright futures. Special congratulations to graduate Jesse Rae Bad Eagle for earning a work ethic award! Of course, we need to recognize the work of all of our students. This was a very successful

year, many courses were completed. We are very excited as more and more people work towards the ultimate goal of graduation. Our grad ceremonies will be getting bigger and bigger every year! It wasn’t just work, work, and more work all year though. Our students also went on some fun field trips. Our first field trip was to a Hutterite Colony. The students got to see what life is like from that perspective! Another important field trip was when we all went up to Calgary to volunteer at the Mustard Seed Homeless Shelter. It was an amazing expe-rience where we got to help out and meet some people that were less fortunate. Another amazing field trip, another great learning opportunity and another different perspective. Some fun option classes were added this year, including: First Aid, kayaking, hair and nails and the always popular, foods! Another special event happened this year, Mr. Petluk and Ms. Klapp became teacher grandparents when one of our students gave birth to a beautiful baby boy! Congratulations Quindy, on the birth of your child!

The 2013-2014 school year will definitely be an exciting one! We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and we are also excited to meet all of our new students! Back in the starting lineup, we have Jill Klapp returning for another season of teaching humanities courses!

Joining us this year, will be a familiar face, Richard Brown will be at Napi half time teaching Math and Science. Look for his Harley in the parking lot!

We are also saying goodbye to Mr. Duane Petluk. He was at Napi for two great years and he will be moving to F.P. Walshe High School to teach Drama and English there. May you have more adventures in your future Duane!

...Looking ahead to 2013-2014!

Top-Left-Right-Down: Jill Klapp, Richard Brown, Duane Petluk

First and foremost, congratulations to our

graduates! You worked very hard and now that work has paid off! We wish you all the best in your bright futures.


WALSHE CROSSROADS CAMPUS– FORT MACLEOD

Walshe Crossroads Campus partici-pated in F.P. Walshe’s Feather Blessing Ceremony, since they are attached to the main high school.

Denium English receiving his feather from elder Pete Strikes With A Gun. Shonnesty Crow Chief finished Grade

12 and was also honored at the Feather Ceremony.

Crossroads First Nation graduates this year are: Waylon Crow Spreads His Wings, Sherwyn Big Throat, Shonnesty Crow Chief, Deni-um English, Keith Beebe, Charlton Oka and Tamara Smith.

Receiving an eagle feather signifies a “Rites of Passage” for the people of Blackfoot ancestry. Blankets are another significant item and to represent that, students received Pendelton Grad Cloaks to wear at the Grad Cap and Gown Ceremony.

(Left) stretching exercises before gymnastics at the Lethbridge Gymnastics club. (Middle) Mixed Martial Arts classes with Tanner Tol-man instructing and (right) Bowling.

Physical Activity at Crossroads

Knowledge and Employability Work Experience Core Classes, Upgrading Music, Art, Mixed Martial Arts, Aboriginal Studies

Mommy’s Program 4 Day Week Program/Friday Program Work experience/Green certificate—Fridays only

Programming offered at Crossroads Campus

Our Graduates 2013

Denium English & Sherwyn Big Throat

Group picture with FP Walshe Students

WALSHE CROSSROADS CAMPUS – FORT MACLEOD


Student Activities

Cowboy Smith’s Visits at Walshe Crossroads encourag-

ing goal setting

Thomas King tells stories about his experiences in Alberta

Tipi Raising: Colton Raw Eater and Jay

North Peigan

Inspire Conference in Saska-toon with Jesse Smith and

Trent Yellow Wings

Career Fair at Kainai High School

Sherwyn, Catherine, Shavon and Maria

Mask Making at F.P. Walshe as part of the Red Cross

presentations

F.P. WALSHE HIGH SCHOOL — FORT MACLEOD

FNMI Parent Engagement—Community Gathering

F.P. Walshe High School and Walshe Crossroad Campus partnered up to create a gathering where about 250 parents, community and school mem-bers could actively engage parents and students in their child’s learning. Both Kainai and Piikani parents served as committee representatives. Jessica Goodstriker was the guest speaker who encouraged parents to raise their children in a good way and talked about the challenges she faced. The theme of her talk was The Power and Responsibility of Parenthood. Parents volunteered to decorate, en-tertain, serve and clean-up. Livingstone Range School Division presented their 3 year plan which con-tinues to include FNMI student achievement, as a priority.

The LRSD 3 Year Plan was present-ed by Trustee, Shannon Sherger and FNMI Lead Teacher, Crystal Good Rider. Mr. Forster, F.P. Walshe Principal, presented to parents the Grade 12 Diploma Examination information and Mr. David Orr, Teacher, present-ed to parents the Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Test information. A variety of community agencies and post-secondary institutes also partici-pated and provided door prizes for the event, using a “passport” system. Our school community was treated to dinner, a fashion show, and drum-ming / singing. With much apprecia-tion and gratitude to those volunteers and community members that partici-pated and made this event a suc-cess.

The intent of the event was to wel-come First Nation parents into the school and help them get to know staff and community agencies availa-ble to them.

FNMI Post Secondary and Career Mentorship Program FNMI students from F.P. Walshe and Walshe Crossroads Campus participated in the FNMI Post Secondary and Career Mentorship Program in April 2013. Students participated in a variety of activities which culminated in students creating a portfolio and making application for post secondary institutions, summer jobs and scholarships. Students then applied for extra credit for CTR 2310 Career Directions – Expansion. Students incorporated knowledge and perspective of First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) post secondary funding, career choices, employment and trades, employability and career mentorship. Specials thanks to: Red Cross (Guy Day Chief / Cara Black Water), Peigan Employment Services (Dustin Wolfe / Otis Potts), BTEST (Levi Little Mustache), PBOE (Joslin Smith), Red Crow College (Jenny Many Fingers), Univer-sity of Lethbridge (Tisha Bromley-Wadsworth), Lethbridge College, Bold Eagle, Elders: Peter Weasel Moccasin /Betty Smith and FNMI Lead Teacher (Crystal Good Rider) for their continued support.


F.P. WALSHE HIGH SCHOOL — FORT

Graduation and Feather Blessing Ceremony

On Wednesday, June 19, students from

F.P. Walshe High School and Walsh

Crossroads Campus participated in a

Feather Blessing Ceremony. Beaded ea-

gle feathers were presented to graduating

students.

Piikani Elder and Former Head Chief

Peter Strikes With a Gun performed the

ceremony, blessing each student in their

activities present and future.

Special thanks to Kainai Elder Peter Wea-

sel Moccasin for assisting us with the tipi

raising and instructing our youth in this cul-

tural activity.

Also honored this year were retiring LRSD

Superintendent, Mrs. Ellie Elliot and As-

sociate Superintendent, Mr. Stephen

Harris for the dedication they have shown

in building an outstanding FNMI program

within LRSD.

Graduation ceremonies were then held on

Thursday, June 27, 2013.

We congratulate these students for com-

pletion of their high school diplomas and

wish them good luck with their future en-

deavors.

Keith Beebe Sherwyn Big Throat

Chancler Bird Sonja Bruised Head

Shonesty Crow Chief Waylon Crow Spreads His Wings

Denium English Hope Grier-Stewart

Charleton Oka Kayla Pard

Rylan Red Crow Tamera Smith Keenan Stump

Trent Yellow Wings

Blackfoot Language & Culture Jason Plain Eagle (Piikani Traditional Knowledge Services- PTKS) assists students in the art of playing hoop game, bone game and a competitive stick game. Grade 8 and Grade 9 students made snow snakes. Blackfoot Sacred Sites trip to Heavy Shield Canyon and Thunderbird Lodge with PTKS and Red Crow College (RCC). A partnership extended to Living-stone Range by PTKS and RCC.


Wow another year almost over…. where does the time go when you’re having fun? This year, the FNMI students experienced exotic places such as: The Gulf Islands, New York and Costa Rica. One of our students- Eli Big Bull went to explore the Gulf Islands. Three students: Adecia Fox-Blood, Jade Crow Shoe and Josh North Peigan explored the arts, culture and lifestyle of New York and 3 more students: Adecia Fox-Blood, Serria Prairie Chicken and Justice Smith visited Costa Rica. They all came back with lots of memories of the places they visit-ed. We also went to Indspire Youth Career Conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Five students attend this Confer-ence: Adecia Fox-Blood: Dakota Van Loon, Ferlin Crow Shoe. Jesse Wolf Tail and Eli Big Bull. Our students learned a lot and gained positive knowledge. A couple of years ago, our FNMI Book Collection was given its own space in the li-brary. Recently, we commissioned some signage in the form of a painting. The design was drawn by Joseph Cross Child and then painted by Annika Lewis. Come visit our library and look at our selection of FNMI Books. This year our graduating students are Ferlin Crow Shoe, Charmaine Old Shoes-David, Jesse Wolf Tail, Samantha Truant and Jesse Rae Bad Eagle. Congratulations! We had our Blue and White Athletic Awards on June 7, 2013. All of our FNMI students received participation awards for the sports they participated in from volleyball to badminton. This year, two of our students won awards: Letitia Plain Eagle received Most Improved Player Award for Basketball and Ferlin Crow Shoe received the NIC Macintosh Award. The criteria for this award involves sports within the school and community, helping out teammates, volunteering as score keeper and refereeing, as well as being a Grade 12 student. Every year, it has been a challenge to celebrate National Aboriginal Day because it conflicts with the examination schedule. This year, we honored this day by serving Berry Soup and Bannock. It was a huge success. We invited Eunice Van Loon to help and the school community really enjoyed her company. Thank you to Eunice for taking the time to be with us. This year has been successful for most of our students. They have done well in academics and our attendance is getting better. I would like to thank our parents for their continued support and encouragement throughout the school year.

MATTHEW HALTON HIGH SCHOOL– PINCHER CREEK


What has happened at Matthew Halton this year!

Left-Right: Unknown, Leland English, Alex Shade, Samantha Truant, Jesse Rae Bad Eagle, Charmaine Old Shoes-David, Ferlin Crowshoe and Jesse Wolf Tail.


MATTHEW HALTON HIGH SCHOOL– PINCHER CREEK

FNMI Honour Roll

Grade 8: Miranda Van Loon Grade 10: Winter Traverse and Jade Smith

TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD THRIVE:

GIVE THEM A GOOD BREAKFAST EVERYDAY TALK TO THEM ABOUT HOPES AND DREAMS MAKE THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP INVOLVE THEM IN ANY DECISIONS BEING MADE REGARDING THEIR LIVES KNOW WHERE THEY ARE GOING AND WHO THEY WILL BE WITH LET THEM KNOW YOU LOVE THEM LET THEM KNOW WHEN THEY DO A GOOD JOB LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE THERE FOR THEM TO TALK TO, IF THEY MADE A MIS-

TAKE Piikani Parent Conference—May 2013 Earl Lambert / Keynote Speaker

Academic Awards

Grade 10 Merit Award Winter Traverse Grade 10 Work Ethic Recognition Josh North Peigan Grade 10 Highest Blended Program Award Jade Smith Grade 11 Social Justice Award Michallie Brown

New On-Reserve

Student Registration Procedure

in LRSD Schools

Any On-Reserve student who is currently not attending a school in Living-stone Range School Division, but would like to attend one in 2014 - 2015, must register prior to June 1. (For 2014, the final day for registration will be Friday, May 30th). The early registration allows schools to staff and plan ef-fectively for the new school year.

Parents are asked to bring the following student identification information to assist with registration: Birth Certificate, Health Care Card, Treaty Card, and a current Report Card.

For more information, please contact our schools directly:

Fort Macleod W.A. Day Grades K-3 (403) 553-3362

G.R. Davis Grades 4-6 (403) 553-3744

F.P. Walshe Grades 7-12 (403) 553-4411

Pincher Creek Canyon School Grades K-6 (403) 627-3118

Matthew Halton Grades 7-12 (403) 627-4414

This year we surveyed the students of F.P. Walshe School, Grades 7 to Grades 9, to find out what is happening in the area of social and emotional concerns.

Students stated that respect and bullying was an issue in their day to day lives. To be proactive, the Family School Liaison Counsellor, Marli Duncan and Lead FNMI Coun-sellor Shelley Spear Chief, collaborated with Kids First, Family Community Support Services and Alberta Health Services Mental Health.

This resulted in a three full day workshop, held once a month, starting March to May with the following themes: Respect with self, Respect with others and Respect in Rela-tionships.

We invited six different community presenters to speak to these topics. This included inclusive learning with a mixture of First Nation presenters and community presenters from Calgary to Lethbridge.

A big thank you to all our collaborative partners and our educators who will keep our theme of respect alive and well at F.P. Walshe School.

Local Artist and Parent hosted an all day work-shop on Relationship with Others with Art.

“Respect in Relationship with Others” Pikanni Traditional Knowledge hosted this all day session to Grades 7 to 9.

Yoga Workshop hosted by Karen Sparkes

Page 16

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL by Shelley Spear Chief Be The Difference

COLLABORATIVE DAY


Be The Difference Respect with Others. Who

am I? How do you want to be

treated and how do you

want others to treat you?

Hosted by

Sandra Lam-ouche, CYCW for G.R. Davis

School.

Getting along

Heart of the Matter

Hosted a one full day training by Judy Atkinson “Circles of Rhythm”. Due to receiving the Cul-tural Grant from Alberta Culture, Shelley was able to purchase 25 drums of all sizes from around the world to promote heart healing. 25 community members participated in the training from Kainai, Pikanni and Fort Macleod communities. The drum circles commenced May and June 2013. Parents if you would like to learn more about Dr. Perry’s research on child trauma and development with the brain, go to www.childtrauma.com.

Christian Weasel Fat student from F.P. Walshe is one of our newly trained drum facilitators who will lead drumming in the September 2013 school year. Christian will have the opportunity to earn leadership, mentorship and health credits in his future high school credits. Christian were proud to have you as a facilitator . “You are Awesome”!

Marli Duncan, Family School Liaison Counsellor is supporting and training with our students from F.P. Walshe in becoming Drum facilitators. Drumming is not specific to one culture but incorporates heart healing for all. Dave our special friend (monkey) joined the group. Dave has a powerful story about healing, acceptance and making a differ-ence because everyone Matters. Final Note: To our wonderful presenters from the schools and community, we thank you and look forward to September 2013.

Karen Sparkes, Family School Liaison Counsellor

Kiit Kiitokii (Trevor Prairie

Chicken)

Judy Atkinson “Circles of Rhythum Community Agency Representatives: Lindee Shade Pikanni Health; Jody Plain Eagle, AHSCLS and our student Jacob Williams,Kainai.

Kiit Kiitokii (Trevor Prairie

Chicken)

SOCIAL- EMOTIONAL


http://www.childtrauma.com

SOCIAL- EMOTIONAL

Advocate for Supports for FNMI Students and Their Families Support First Nation Perspective and Awareness with Schools, Working with Students Coordinate Inclusive Social Emotional Programming such as Be The Difference, Drum-

ming Heart of the Matter, Finding Kind Project and Aboriginal Shield Programming Level 2 Threat Assessment for FNMI Students Internal—External Case Consults Success in School Plans Parent Meetings Community Collaborative Meetings First Nation Advisory Council Informal Family School Liaison Collaboration Program Coordinating

I strongly encourage parents and community agencies to contact me at 403-892-1617

Shelley Spear Chief - FNMI Lead Counsellor

Left to Right: Julie Isaac, Family School Liaison Counsellor Whitney Johnston, FNMI Student and Krista Roberts, FSL Intern

Willow Creek Composite High School - Claresholm, AB

Roles and Responsibilities


FNMI Learning– Curricular Updates Academics & Culture

FNMI Infusion– Social Studies

Class in The Tipi

- Isabelle Sellon School– Blairmore

Western Canadian First Nation Administrators Symposium

The focus this year for the FNMI Lead Teacher was FNMI Literacy and FNMI Infusion for Social Studies. The class in the tipi event was one strategy provided to LRSD schools. Isabelle Sellon School in Blairmore took part in the day’s activities. Students had hands-on experience making pemmican, hearing oral stories about the Crowsnest Pass, playing traditional games, observing G.R. Davis dance troupe and learning about the Piikani Winter Count. The intent of the day was to infuse the First Nations per-spective into the Grade 5 curriculum.

Establishing Student Relations Between Communities of Kainai & Granum

In April and May, Granum School (Kindergarten-Grade 9), Tatsikiisapop Middle School (TMS) (Grades 5-8) and Saipoyii Ele-mentary School (Kindergarten- Grade 4) all visited each other’s community. TMS and SES are Kainai Schools. A committee consisting of teachers and administrators helped plan the day: Sarah Tricker, Noreen Price, Ruby Medi-cine Crane, Andrea Fox, Ronalee Orr, Crystal Good Rider, Linda Weasel Head and Marie Shade. The intent of the student exchange was to exchange cultural information. A heritage fair was planned at Granum school with a western twist to the day. At Kainai, kids learned about the parfleche bag and completed artwork with Blackfoot designs. The dance troupe from SES attended the Spring Concert at Granum school. While at Kainai, the

Granum students were entertained by the Kainai Idol Contest winners from SES. Students were served Indian Tacos at lunch and given time to meet new friends. It was a new experience to have new students in their schools! Each school has a quilt to remember the day in years to come.

On Feb 2th, a conference was hosted by the Peigan Board of Education. LRSD staff and students presented two sessions. A session titled “First Nation Student Success in Public School Systems” was presented by Crystal Good Rider and Lisa Crow-shoe. Carolyn Little Mustache was involved in the planning. The intent of the presentation was to provide a Divisional, site based and classroom perspective on what it takes to move for-ward with FNMI Student Academic Success. The second ses-sion was presented by Rick Bullock, Dave Orr, Adecia Fox and Dasan Crowshoe. The intent of this presentation was to show-

case student leadership and advocate for funding so that more FNMI stu-dents can access the FACES program.


FNMI Working Committees

Trustee Working Committees that Support FNMI Student Achievement

LRSD trustees have established an FNMI working committee to work with the Peigan and Kainai Boards of Education. The purpose of each of the working committees is to work together to support First Nation student success, achievement and well-being. Membership includes three trustees from each Board, the Superintendent and Associate Superintendent, Business Services. Meetings of each working group are scheduled three times a year. Powers and duties include:

To develop and share policies and procedures relating to students; To support joint professional development, as well as sharing best practices and resource; To work together to support and develop initiatives between Boards.

Each of the working committees has developed a terms of reference to give their work. Each year the committee identifies common areas that need to be addressed over the year. Over the past year both the PBOE/LRSD and KBE/LRSD FNMI working committees have developed administrative proce-dures related to student transfers and reviewed the proposed Federal First Nation Education Act. Other examples include LRSD working with PBOE and Holy Spirit to host a Parent Conference and LRSD working with KBE to develop a reciprocal tuition agreement. Future plans included data shar-ing, developing attendance policies and creating partnerships to ensure student needs are met. These working committees have been guided by Chief Sitting Bull’s philosophy “Let us put our minds and our hearts together and see what good we can do for our children.”

Photos: Kainai High School Career Fair (Marie Many Bears, Carleigh Grier-Stewart, Jaden Good Striker); Rugby (Dasan Crowshoe); Indspire (Kayla Pard, Ferlin Crowshoe, Keenan Stump); Science (Shonnesty Crowchief, Sonja Bruised Head)


LRSD WORKING COMMITTEES—STAFF & TRUSTEES 2012—2015

2012-2013 Action Item Summary

Goal: First Nation, Metis & Inuit Student Achievement

Kainai Board of Education (KBE) & LRSD Trustee Working Committee

Action Items: Reviewed reciprocal tuition agreement Advocacy for early childhood mapping Discussed the need for an integrated attendance

policy and procedure Reviewed the First Nation Education Act discussion

guide Shared FNMI parent and student satisfaction sur-

veys Provided data on FNMI student performance for students attending LRSD schools

LRSD FNMI WORKING COMMITTEE STAFF

Action Items: FNMI Newsletter Elders Directory for Teachers and Administrators FN Student Success Stories


Peigan Board of Education (PBOE) & LRSD Trustee Working Committee

Action Items: Reviewed the implementation and impact of the updated Administrative Procedure 304, Student Transfers Provided data on FNMI student performance of students attending LRSD schools Shared responsibility for presentations at PBOE’s parent conference Planning for sharing the delivery of high school courses to students across the two education

boards (PBOE and KBE) Shared resources


3 Year Plan - First Nation, Metis & Inuit 2012—2015

Goal 3: Success for FNMI Students

O U T C O M E S :

1 . F N M I S T U D E N T S A R E E N G A G E D I N T H E I R L E A R N I N G R E S U L T I N G I N I M P R O V E D A C H I E V E M E N T .

2 . F N M I S T U D E N T S H A V E A S T R O N G S E N S E O F B E L O N G I N G A N D I D E N T I T Y .

3 . F N P A R E N T S H A V E A S T R O N G S E N S E O F B E L O N G I N G A N D A R E E M P O W E R E D T O B E I N V O L V E D I N D E C I S I O N S R E G A R D I N G T H E I R C H I L D A N D T H E I R S C H O O L .

4 . S O C I A L A N D E M O T I O N A L S U P P O R T S A R E I N P L A C E T H A T M E E T T H E U N I Q U E N E E D S O F O U R F N S T U D E N T S .

5 . L R S D S T A F F H A V E A S T R O N G U N D E R -S T A N D I N G O F B L A C K F O O T C U L T U R E A N D T H E I R F N S T U D E N T S .

6 . T E A C H E R S A N D S C H O O L S C O M M U N I C A T E E F F E C T I V E L Y W I T H T H E I R F N S T U D E N T S A N D T H E I R F A M I L I E S .

7 . L R S D , K A I N A I A N D P I I K A N I S C H O O L B O A R D S W I L L W O R K C O L L A B O R A T I V E L Y T O E N S U R E S T U D E N T S U C C E S S , A C H I E V E -M E N T A N D W E L L B E I N G .

Livingstone Range School Division trustees

identified First Nation Student Achievement as

one of the priorities identified in the Board’s Three Year Education

Plan, 2012-2015.

In response, the Board has created a three year FNMI plan to address this

priority.

The following is a summary of Goal 3 and

the seven related outcomes which will be

tracked over the next two years.


Purpose The purpose of the First Nation Education Council is to support, enhance, and increase school success for the First Nation Learner in Livingstone Range School Division (LRSD) No. 68. The Education Council will represent First Nation interests in the design, implementation, and assessment of programs, supports and services that improve the school experience and academic achievement of First Nation students in LRSD No. 68. Powers & Duties 1) To ensure that the interests of all FNMI students in the Division are heard and considered regardless of

residency. 2) To ensure that Blackfoot language, story, culture, and contributions of First Nation people to Canadian society are recognized and incorporated in the school curriculum at all grade levels. 3) To ensure that current topics such as First Nation rights, self-government, and land claims are presented

in the curriculum from a First Nation perspective. 4) To ensure that schools infuse the Blackfoot perspective, at all grade levels. 5) To work in partnership with LRSD No. 68 to determine and support programs. 6) To review Division policies and procedures related to FNMI learners and to recommend appropriate

changes. 7) To ensure that relevant First Nation student data is reported annually to the First Nation Education Council. 8) To provide input on the measures related to FNMI student achievement. 9) To advocate and support the hiring of First Nation people within LRSD No. 68. 10) To provide direction and support for the FNMI Staff Working Committee and lead counselor activities and

initiatives. 11) To support research around First Nation education issues. 12) To promote First Nation mental health and cultural awareness, that addresses historical/social barriers

using a cultural lens to support FNMI student success within all staff groups in LRSD No. 68. 13) To be informed about LRSD Board & Staff FNMI Working Committee work plans.

FIRST NATION EDUCATION COUNCIL

Terms of Reference


Membership

FIRST NATION EDUCATION COUNCIL

Council Members will be appointed representatives as follows and will communicate with their respective groups: One representative (the Chief or his/her education designate) from each of the Blackfoot tribes, Kainai

and Piikani. One parent representative from each of the Blackfoot tribes, Kainai and Piikani One Urban FNMI parent Four FNMI student representatives from FP Walshe School, Matthew Halton School, Walshe Crossroads Campus or Napi Friendship Center Total number of voting positions: 7 Supporting Members Two elders from each of the Blackfoot Communities, Piikani and Kainai, and one Métis/Inuit and/or Urban Elder Superintendent of the LRSD School Division The Associate Superintendent (who holds the First Nations portfolio) FNMI Clinical Consultant, LRSD One representative from the Board of Trustees who sits on the LRSD Board FNMI Working Committee Chair / Co-Chair / Recorder The Council will be co-chaired by 2 council members, one of whom is a student and will be chosen to serve for a one year term. The co-chairs will gather agenda items and lead meetings of the council. Co-chairs will be determined at the beginning of each school year. The Recorder will be a supporting member and keep the Record of Decisions and distribute them to all council members.

Acknowledgement—Crystal Good Rider Livingstone Range School Division would like to acknowledge Crystal Good Rider for her dedication, support and knowledge as the FNMI Lead Teacher. Crystal’s new position will be as the Assistant Principal at G.R. Davis School in Fort Macleod. Livingstone Range thanks you for all your hard work and we look forward to your expertise and commitment to our FNMI students in the future.


Kainai

Education Designate

Roberta Yellow Horn

Charlene Bruised Head- Mountain Horse

Elder

Designation Piikani Kainai

Education Designate

Roberta Yellow Horn

Charlene Bruised Head- Mountain Horse

Elder Peter Weasel Moccasin

Elder Veronica Smith

Student To be determined in September 2013

Shavon Big Throat

Student Adecia Fox-Blood

To be determined in September 2013

Parent Josh Curly Rider

Parent Randy Wolf Tail

Urban Trina Healy

First Nation Education Council 2013/2014

Representative Listing

There will be a minimum of 3 meetings during the school year. Decisions will be reached by consensus.

September 24 (to be confirmed), 2013 9:00 am to 2:00 pm LRSD PD Room

Next Meeting Date:



We’re on the Internet! www.lrsd.ab.ca

Fort Macleod FNMI

Pincher Creek FNMI

Partnerships with Livingstone Range School

Division Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate

Regional Division Piikani Traditional Knowledge Services

Piikani Employment Services Napi Friendship Center

Peigan Board of Education Fort Macleod Kids First Family Center

FCSS Piikani Youth and Education Foundation

Piikani Social Development Piikani Prevention Counseling Services

Piikani Child and Family Services Kainai Board of Education

Blood Bussing Co-op Kainai Children’s Services

Blood Tribe Child Protection Kainai Wellness Center

RCMP

LRSD Central Office FNMI Portfolio- Kathy Olmstead Office: 1 800-310-6579 Cell: (403) 682-8000 Email: [email protected]

FNMI Clinical Consultant- Shelley Spear Chief Office: (403) 553-3744 Cell: (403) 892-1617 Email: [email protected]

Canyon School Key Contact List Principal: Carole Goodreau Assistant Principal: Kirby Dietze FNMI Teacher: Carol Lach

Phone: (403) 627-3118 Fax: (403) 627-2210

Napi Friendship Center Key Contact List Administrator: Sandy McDuffe Off-Campus Teacher: John Taylor Teachers: Jill Klapp, Richard Brown

Phone: (403) 627-4224 Fax: (403) 627-2564

Matthew Halton High School Key Contact List Principal: Sandy McDuffe Assistant Principal: Tara Tanner Native Liaison: Lorraine Morning Bull

Phone: (403) 627-4414 Fax: (403) 627-4444

W.A. Day School Key Contact List Principal: Connie Dersch-Gunderson Assistant Principal: To be determined FNMI Learning Support Teacher: To be determined

Phone: (403) 553-3362 Fax: (403) 553-2458

Walshe Crossroads Campus Key Contact List Principal: Bill Forster Teachers: Karen Krammer, Denise Getz Off-Campus Teacher: Rob Charchun Child & Youth Care: Barb Smith

Phone: (403) 553-0318 Fax: (403) 553-2905

Phone: (403) 553-3744 Fax: (403) 553-2585

G.R. Davis School Key Contact List Principal: Richard Feller Assistant Principal: Crystal Good Rider Child & Youth Care: Sandra Lamouche

F.P. Walshe School Key Contact List

Principal: Bill Forster

Assistant Principal: Lisa Crowshoe

and Randy Bohnet

Phone: (403) 553-4411 Fax: (403) 553-2194

Thank you to all the departments, organizations, parent volunteers, elders and committee members

from surrounding areas that helped make schools a better place for

students and families!

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