Indigenous Education Program

Acknowledgement

Grande Prairie Public School Division (GPPSD) acknowledges that we live and learn on Treaty 8 Territory, the ancestral and present-day home of the Cree, Beaver, Dene and Métis people.

We recognize the need to take appropriate actions to bridge and build relationships with Indigenous families, Indigenous students, and the school community. 

GPPSD Indigenous Education Program

The GPPSD Indigenous Education Team consists of school liaisons and a program coordinator who work to engage with GPPSD students and staff. This work is based on three pillars:

• Connect - creating opportunities to form connections between schools, local Elders and Knowledge-Keepers
• Support - supporting staff and students as they learn and grow
• Empower -creating connections for Indigenous students and their families

These three pillars support the work of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including the 94 Calls to Action. They also include providing opportunities for learning, growing, and connecting within the GPPSD community.  

The Indigenous Education Team's overall goal is to support Indigenous students in a way that promotes resiliency, pride, student achievement, and high school graduation.

Indigenous Family Circle (IFC)

Indigenous families are invited to join our next Indigenous Family Circle (IFC). It is an evening where you will share a meal, visit with other Indigenous families, and connect with your child’s school-based Indigenous Liaison.

For more information and to find out when the next IFC is scheduled, email us at indigenous@gppsd.ab.ca, or check our contact your school directly.

Connecting with Culture

GPPSD Indigenous Graduate Honouring Ceremony—The tradition of honouring our Indigenous Grade 12 graduating students is in addition to the GPPSD high school graduation ceremonies, which are held at each school.

The Indigenous Honouring Ceremony celebrates graduates' achievements by creating a culturally meaningful event. It involves teachings and ceremonies by local Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Typically held in June, the event involves students as the centre of a community celebration. They have the opportunity to dress up, have their name called, and be presented with gifts to recognize their accomplishments and heritage. 

Graduating students can speak with their school's Indigenous Liason for ceremony details.