Teaching
Alberta Education offers provincially developed Aboriginal Language and Culture programs. Blackfoot and Cree are currently being taught in a number of schools in Alberta. The department also authorizes locally developed courses, including aboriginal language courses.
The first provincial program in Aboriginal Studies was developed in 2002 in partnership with Elders, educators, and Alberta Education staff. The course content deals with First Nations, Métis and Inuit history and contemporary issues from diverse Aboriginal Perspectives.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives (governance, history, treaty and aboriginal rights, lands, cultures and languages) are being infused into all provincial Kindergarten to Grade 12 curricula and resources in Alberta.
First Nations and Métis people are directly involved in development, review and approval of curriculum and learning resources to address history, lands, rights, languages, culture and contemporary perspectives on governance, education, science and wellness.
Bow Valley College offers a First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Community Liaison Certificate Program. This program prepares graduates to work as community liaisons, building positive relationships among FNMI students, their families and other members of their community, and increasing the success rate of FNMI students in the school system.
Alberta Education has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the learning environment for aboriginal students. This includes support for the development of Amiskwaciy Academy in partnership with Edmonton Public School Board. Amiskwaciy is an aboriginal focused high school that uses the Alberta Program of Studies and enriches the curriculum by offering options courses that reflect aboriginal traditions and values.
The Earth Voices Video Series from Earth Magic Media are now available to students, teachers and parents through LearnAlberta.ca. The series features interviews with Aboriginal Elders, athletes, artists, activists, businesspeople, educators, journalists, musicians and politicians, most of whom are from Alberta.
