WESTLOCK — Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the Pembina Hills School Division will be partnering with the Rupertsland Institute (RLI) Métis Centre of Excellence to integrate Métis perspectives into the Early Learning to Grade 12 curriculum.
The Rupertsland Institute was originally established in 2010 as an affiliate of the Métis Nation of Alberta with a goal of creating a skilled, knowledgeable and self-reliant Métis Nation through education, training and research.
The partnership with RLI was announced in a news article posted to the Pembina Hills website on June 21.
"Supporting all students in feeling seen, heard and successful at school is a division priority. We recognize the importance of Indigenous learners and families seeing themselves reflected in the education system to achieve educational success,” the website states.
“The Métis have a unique history and culture that needs to be recognized and celebrated. We are thankful for this opportunity for all students and staff to learn and grow through this new relationship.
Superintendent Brett Cooper said the division had previously been doing some individual work with the Rupertsland Institute, having their representatives come out to Pembina Hills and deliver some presentations.
“They actually approached us and said, ‘Hey, we should actually have a partnership,’ and we said that would be terrific,” he said.
“Many of our First Nations students identify as Métis, so it was a logical partnership. We’re quite excited about what it’s going to bring to the area.”
The partnership with RLI will provide access to Knowledge Keepers and Elders to help guide the division’s journey towards meeting the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
As to what that will look like in practical terms, Cooper said that will involve RLI representatives working side-by-side with teachers and providing them resources, as well as some instruction.
“They’ll do a little bit of both,” he said.
This integration of Métis perpsectives will occur throughout the division, as every school in Pembina Hills has students that identify as Métis, Cooper noted.
