Vegreville Family Night

Connie Kulhavy, a Métis artist and knowledge carrier, led a cultural event at A.L. Horton Elementary, bringing together First Nation, Métis and Inuit families for a day of food, learning and creativity. Participants created birch bark paintings while learning about Métis traditions, storytelling and the significance of the land. Using the National Geographic Giant Floor Map, Leaha Atcheneyum, a Cultural Advisor with Elk Island Public Schools, guided the group in exploring the land’s cultural importance and weaving traditional teachings into the experience, fostering community and cultural pride.

Elk Island Public Schools and Sturgeon Public Schools First Nation, Métis, and Inuit lead teachers spent an enriching day with Karen West, a PhD student from the University of Alberta, to enhance their pedagogical practices. Drawing from her unique background as a former high school teacher, Karen integrated scientific principles with Indigenous knowledge to help educators weave culturally relevant perspectives into their curriculum. By focusing on bridging traditional Indigenous ways of knowing with modern scientific approaches, Karen fostered a collaborative space for learning. This professional development session not only deepened the teachers' understanding of Indigenous perspectives but also empowered them to enrich their students' learning experiences, encouraging a more inclusive and holistic educational environment.

Northern Michif lessons at École Parc Élémentaire in Fort Saskatchewan

Elder SkyBlue Mary Morin, a respected knowledge carrier and language expert, recently led a series of in-person Northern Michif lessons at École Parc Élémentaire in Fort Saskatchewan. With her deep understanding of Métis culture and language, she guided students and teachers through the rich history and unique linguistic aspects of Northern Michif, a vibrant blend of Cree and French. The lessons, held in an engaging and interactive format, enabled students to connect with the language in a meaningful way while learning about Métis traditions and worldviews.

Acclaimed Cree artist Neepin Auger is well known for being both a talented narrator in print and in paint. Creating stunningly beautiful works of art that brilliantly illustrate both the artist’s heritage as well as elements of this storied landscape, Neepin brings forth striking silhouettes set aglow in colour and contrast.

• Rupertsland Institute has secured access to Alberta ExamBank for K-12 Métis students to test their understanding through online practice. Métis students can sign up for the RECC Room to find the login for their MNA Region. Questions? Contact education@rupertsland.org.

• Is your child in Grade 12 and looking to move on to post-secondary education? There are a variety of scholarships, bursaries and grants available to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to attend trade school, college or university.

December 9 - Métis Family Kitchen Party

December 11 to 12 - Ribbon Skirt Workshop

December 12 - Rupertsland Institute Virtual Field Trip

December 23 to January 3 - Christmas Break: No School

January 20 - Fort Saskatchewan Family Winter Gathering