Fort Saskatchewan Family Night Jan. 20, 2025

Fort Saskatchewan Elementary will host a Family Night focused on Indigenous storytelling, led by EIPS cultural consultant Leaha Atcheynum and Métis knowledge carrier Connie Kulhavy. Organized by Fort Saskatchewan schools, the event will aim to connect families with storytelling and hands-on activities.

Leaha Atcheynum will share insights into the role of storytelling in Indigenous cultures, emphasizing its importance in preserving knowledge and passing down stories through winter time in particular. Connie Kulhavy, a Métis knowledge carrier, will led the families in creation of story rocks, where families will craft symbols from natural materials to accompany their stories. We invite all Fort Saskatchewan First Nation, Métis and Inuit families to join us!

Ribbon Skirt and Shirt Workshop Dec. 11, 2024

Students from Bev Facey Community High and F.R. Haythorne Junior High created beautiful pieces with EIPS consultants Taryn Donald, Danielle Booker and Leaha Atcheynum. The day honoured and celebrated the significance of ribbon skirts and shirts for expressing and affirming identity. The event aimed to educate and engage students in understanding the deep spiritual, cultural and historical ties that ribbon skirts and shirts represent.

The ribbon skirt is a representation of womanhood, identity, survival and adaptation. It is much more than a piece of clothing—it is a direct connection to Mother Earth and the sacred medicines that sustain life. Wearing a ribbon skirt allows women to honour themselves and their cultural heritage, recognizing the vital role they play as life-givers and keepers of traditional knowledge within their families.

EIPS staff are invited to this session to dive into the spirit and intent of treaty. We will understand our responsibilities as treaty people as well as ways to engaged in the 94 Calls to Action and other national inquiry findings.

EIPS staff are invited to engage in a dynamic and interactive simulation that unfolds Indigenous history and European influences leading up to present day realities. Participating in a Blanket Exercise offers a profound opportunity for professional development, enriching understanding, empathy and awareness of Indigenous histories and contemporary issues.

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.

• 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.

January 4 - National Ribbon Skirt Day

January 6 - EIPS Ribbon Skirt or Shirt Day

January 14 - Understanding Treaty PL for EIPS Staff

January 16 - Blanket Exercise PL for EIPS Staff

January 20 - Fort Saskatchewan Family Winter Gathering