A Virtual Circle: Najuna Ats’ila-hi – Embodying the Spirit and Intent of Treaty for Student Success

Please join CASS for the first of a webinar series that will be offered this spring. On the May 8, 3 – 5 p.m. webinar, participants will have an opportunity to sit in a virtual circle with Jonathan Kaiswatum, Director of Education, Tsuut’ina Education Department; Steven Crowchild, Minor Chief, Tsuut’ina Nation Xakujaa-yina/Chief and Council; Cindy Stefanato, Director of Indigenous Learning, Rocky View Schools; Lori Pritchard, Education Director for Indigenous Education, Calgary Board of Education; and Helmut Kaiser, Director of Learning Services, Calgary Catholic School District. Participants will catch a glimpse into the story of how they are working together to focus on the aspirations of young people and honour insights from Tsuut’ina Knowledge Keepers and Elders.The collaborative approach ensures the inclusion of Tsuut’ina language, culture, and perspectives while nurturing reciprocal kinship relations that foster respect, trust, and mutual understanding. Through their unwavering dedication to student success, the Tsuut’ina Education Department and its neighbouring school districts are ensuring that their work embodies the spirit and intent of treaty agreements. Interested attendees can register for the webinar through CASS’ Online Learning webpage.

The webinars build on the insights offered in the Guide to Relationships and Learning with the Indigenous Peoples of Alberta, the new eLeadership Guide, Establishing and Maintaining Respectful Relationships for Student Success, A Virtual Circle with Elders, and Improving Success for Indigenous Students. System education leaders have identified the need to deepen their understanding about how to build respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities to better enable them to lead reconciliation in their district and to further the success of Indigenous students (SLQS, LQS, Optimum Learning for All Students Final Report, June 2023).

Stay tuned for information about upcoming webinars:

May 29, 3 – 5 p.m., Canadian Rockies Public Schools and Stoney Nakoda Knowledge Keepers

June 12, 3 – 5 p.m., Northland School Division

These webinars will be hosted by Crystal Clark, Indigenous Education Consulting and Dr. Dianne Roulson, CASS Leadership Consultant.