Richard Feller
Livingstone Range School Division students will learn more about Metis culture and history through a new partnership.
The school board last week voted to sign an education services agreement with the Rupertsland Institute to support curriculum and staff development.
“We’ve been doing a really good job of meeting the needs of our First Nations population in the work that we do but we have also recognized the need to do more for our Metis students,” associate superintendent Richard Feller said.
The education services agreement was on the agenda of the school board’s Nov. 28 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration building in Fort Macleod.
Feller reminded trustees Livingstone Range has a long-time relationship with the Rupertsland Institute, including staff member Joel Gamache taking the “Train the Trainer” program.
“It has been a pleasure working with the Rupertsland Institute over the past few years,” Feller said.
The Rupertsland Institute develops resources, lesson plans and professional development and classroom learning tools for Metis education.
The Rupertsland Institute partnership would focus on building staff understanding of the historical, social, economic and political implications of legislation and agreements negotiated historically with Metis.
“This will give us an opportunity as a school jurisdiction to have a real connection with our Metis community,” Feller added.
About 45 Livingstone Range students have self-identified as Metis.
Feller told trustees the Rupertsland Institute has worked with Metis elders throughout Alberta to vet the programming.
“We recognize that to achieve educational success Metis learners need to see themselves reflected in the education system,” Feller said.
“As well, learning about Metis culture and identity is important for Metis children and for all children in the public education system.”
The relationship established through the Metis Nation education service agreement is a step toward meeting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action.
Feller told trustees the Metis Nation has charged the Rupertsland Institute with that responsibility.
The agreement states that the school board, senior staff, divisions staff, principals, vice-principals, teachers and support staff have a responsibility to understand the history, culture and world view of the Metis people and support the educational needs of the children.
“This is great,” trustee Lori Hodges said. “It’s been a long time coming. I appreciate the partnership.”
