Is an Indigenous Education Focus the Right Choice for My Child?

A successful student demonstrates:

• Pride by focusing on academic, cultural and individual growth
• A desire to learn through an Indigenous lens
• Active participation in regular ceremonial activities
• Engagement in language learning experiences, dancing, drumming, singing and cultural arts activities

Characteristics of an Indigenous Focus

• Supports and encourages child and family development in a balanced manner
• Addresses physical, spiritual, mental and emotional aspects of life and development
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit focus on language, early literacy, academics, social development and elementary school preparation with a strong cultural foundation based on the Medicine Wheel and the Seven Sacred Teachings

Visit the CBE website to help determine if an Indigenous Focus the Right Choice for My Child and for the Alternative Programs Handbook (Alberta Education).​​​​

Supporting Our Youngest Indigenous Learners

Programming at Niistitapi li tass ksii mat tsoo kop (Niitsitapi Learning Centre) will provide early intervention through a holistic, strength-based, early learning environment. We want our students to build a strong academic foundation in a learning environment that reflects and nurtures their Indigenous identity.

By providing our students with the best possible start to their educational journey and supporting school-to-school transitions when students move from the Niitsitapi Learning Centre, our goal is to improve Indigenous students’ long-term success in school and prepare them to live in both worlds.

Unique Program and Benefits for Indigenous Students

This unique and innovative early learning environment will provide:

• Opportunities for families to be involved and help shape the future growth of this exciting learning journey for their children.
• Holistic, strength-based, personalized, experiential learning opportunities.
• A preschool for Indigenous children aged 3 and 4 years old.
• Full-day kindergarten for Indigenous children.
• The curriculum is taught through a diversity of Indigenous perspectives and experiences to build a strong sense of Indigenous identity and a strong academic foundation.
• Student transportation – yellow school bus service.
• New modernized facility, with Circle of Nations Learning Collection and Indigenous community programs.