First Nations, Métis and Inuit students experience greater success as engaged participants in learning that is authentic and connected to their personal values and life experiences. First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, families and communities need to feel that curricula honours their perspectives, histories, languages and cultures.
This website provides support for all levels within school jurisdictions to increase awareness, understanding and application of First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, perspectives and ways of knowing for the purpose of implementing treaty and residential schools education and Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action for education.
What You Will Find on this Site
The Story of this Site
Empowering the Spirit is a collection of resources curated to increase awareness and understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, perspectives and ways of knowing. The collection of tools, videos and websites found within Empowering the Spirit lend support to teachers and school leaders as they endeavor to weave Indigenous knowledge systems into their current practice. In celebration of the important connectedness of learning and the natural world, and in appreciation of the Indigenous peoples who were this land’s first keepers, the turtle icon serves as a symbolic guide to help navigate this site. The turtle is significant in many Indigenous communities as a crucial member of the Creation story, viewed as a knowledge keeper and teacher.
Find the Empowering the Spirit Learning Guide here.
Education for Reconciliation
Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC), led by Calgary Regional Consortium (CRC) and Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium (ERLC), is pleased to introduce its First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education for Reconciliation grant. ARPDC will provide professional learning at all levels of school jurisdictions that results in an increased awareness and understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, perspectives, and ways of knowing for the purpose of implementing treaty and residential schools’ education and Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations for education.
Ongoing Professional Learning Opportunities
Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium provides ongoing professional learning to support educators. Please contact your local consortia to find current and upcoming learning opportunities.
