Iinii Insights |  Treaty 7 Day September 22

"On September 22, 1877, Canada (Britain) made Treaty 7 with the Niitsitapi (Kainai, Siksika and Apatohsipiiikani), Tsuu T’ina, and Nakoda. The North-West Mounted Police were present to keep the peace and to reinforce the authority of the Crown. This meeting reflects the great differences between the cultures. The government wanted the First Nations to cede their claims to the land. Ownership of the land was incomprehensible to people who believed that they were a part of the world and not the owners of it. The First Nations believe they had agreed to help the newcomers in return for help from the government in adjusting to a new way of life. After nearly two centuries of epidemics, the First Nations also wanted assurance that their health care would be looked after. The First Nations believed that they were making a treaty according to their traditions. The government looked only at what was written down, ignoring much of the First Nations wishes, but assuming that they now had full title to the land and all of its resources.” (Glenbow Museum Virtual Treaty Kit)  

To acknowledge this land is to acknowledge the spirit and intent of Treaty 7. Treaties are important pieces of history, understood through oral histories and written word. Each treaty is alive and has its own story, characters, plot, and outcomes - Treaty 7 is no exception. Living in Southern Alberta and the city of Calgary, we are all in Treaty 7 territory. We are all treaty people. 

Nutrition Plan 

• 2025/2026 School Calendar 
• School Registration  
• Transportation 
• Pay Fees Online  

Meet the Teacher|  

You are invited to our Meet the Teacher event on Thursday, September 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. This is a chance for families with preschool to grade 2 students to visit the school, meet the teachers, and explore their learning environments. Plus, students will receive a bag of goodies from the Calgary Police Youth Foundation as part of the Pohkaisksinimaatstsoh’taksist Backpack Campaign. 

Classroom Connection|  

MRU Nursing Students

We are excited to welcome students from the MRU Nursing Program to our school community! Starting September 17, they will begin a five-week practicum with us as part of their community placement. During this time, the MRU students will be learning, supporting, and engaging alongside our staff and families. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of their educational journey and look forward to the contributions they will bring to our school. 

Conflict, Rude, Mean, and Bullying: Learning to Be Friends at Niitsitapi

At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, our young learners are building important social skills and learning how to be a good friend. As children grow, they sometimes experience conflict (not agreeing), or they might say something rude or mean without thinking. These moments are part of learning, and we support students to talk it out, solve problems, and try again.

It is important to know that not everything is bullying.

• Conflict: a disagreement between peers.
• Rude or mean behaviour: unkind words or actions, usually once and not planned.
• Bullying: ongoing, targeted, and hurtful behaviour done on purpose.

At the CBE, we have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. Every child deserves to feel safe, cared for, and respected.

At Niitsitapi, we focus on helping students:

• Use kind words
• Share and take turns
• Solve problems together
• Care for themselves and each other

By learning these skills, our students grow stronger in friendship, respect, and kindness — creating a safe and caring place for everyone to learn.

For your Information|  

Walking Field Trips: Update on field trips within walking distance  

The CBE values the educational benefit of field trips. Field trips close to our school can complement classroom learning by giving students opportunities to explore the community around their school.  

Please be advised the process for trips within walking distance of the school has been simplified, excluding restricted activities, e.g. swimming. As parents/guardians, you will no longer need to fill out a consent form for your child to go on a class trip that is walking distance from the school, e.g. to a local park. Appropriate walking distance is determined by the Principal and may vary, depending on the age of the students.  

Teachers will provide at least 24 to 48 hours’ notice when planning a trip to a local site. You will be notified about these trips by email. Walking Field Trip 

Transportation 

All of our buses display a sign in the window with “NLC,” our school logo, the driver’s name, and the route number for easy identification. Please take time to review BUS EXPECTATIONS with your child. Safety on the bus is a top priority and all riders have a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe.  

If your family has an address change, please notify the office as soon as possible. Regular route updates typically take 10–12 days to process, but at the start of the school year, adjustments may take up to 4–6 weeks.·If you have any questions regarding your student's bussing, please contact the CBE transportation department at transportation@cbe.ab.ca   

For information regarding your student’s bus route, please contact DREAMS Transportation at 403-590-7433.  Please call DREAMS when you are concerned with late or missing busses.   

MyCBE (PowerSchool) Parent Account        

Please create a MyCBE parent account. MyCBE provides parents online access to register for transportation and lunch supervision, pay fees and request fee waivers, book school conferences, and view attendance and report cards. Student CBE ID# is needed to create the account. Please contact the main office for assistance at 403-817-3404. 

Community Resources |  

Indigenous Family Resource Guide  

The CBE has created an Indigenous Family Resource Guide which is a collection of supports, programs, and community connections for families. This guide highlights local resources, cultural opportunities, and services designed to strengthen wellness and celebrate Indigenous identity. Click here Indigenous Family Resource Guide 

Elbow River Healing Lodge  

The Calgary Board of Education with Niitsitapi Learning Centre, in partnership with Alberta Health Services with Elbow River Healing Lodge has a Wellness Clinic on-site for students, parents, and extended family members. A Physician is on site in the clinic weekly for consultation by appointment.  

Through the generosity of funders including The Calgary Foundation, and in partnership with Education Matters we aim to improve access, and focus on health promotion and prevention, screening, and early intervention to reduce inequity for Indigenous students and families. 

Booking Information 

Contact the Elbow River Healing Lodge at (403) 955-6600 to book an appointment.  

Calling all Dancers!