Last school year the Prince Albert Catholic School Division and Peter Ballantyne Cree
Nation (PBCN) teamed up to support students and that project is continuing in 2024-2025.
The two groups submitted a proposal to the province as part of the Invitational SharedServices Initiative (ISSI) in June and received approval later that month.
The ISSI develops partnerships between First Nation education authorities and provincial school systems.
The PA Catholic board gave final approval at their regular meeting on Aug. 19.
“(We are) very pleased with our willing partners,” PA Catholic Education Director Lorel Trumier said. “I think that’s the most important thing. We have willing participation from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation to engage in this partnership.”
The provincial government will provide $92,300 to support the partnership between 2024 and 2028/
The funds will go towards land-based learning consultations, elders and knowledge keeper honorariums, and Indigenous education consultants.
The division is partnering with PBCN for the application because 70 per cent of Prince Albert Catholic students who live on reserve while attending Catholic schools are PBCN members.
“It means a difference in children and in areas such as treaty education and cultural education for our students, so it’s a strong partnership,” Trumier said. “We’ve got great relations and we’re looking forward to the year ahead to continue that initiative.”
The ISSI proposal was initially submitted on April 14 and the division was notified in late May that the maximum application limit was reduced from $100,000 to $80,000.
They resubmitted the application on June 2 to reflect the updated ministry financial criteria and
received approval on June 14.
The ISSI is part of the provincial government’s response and ongoing commitment to the recommendations found in the Joint Task Force on Improving Education and Employment Outcomes for First Nations and Metis People.
The goal is to improve outcomes for First Nations Students living on-reserve attending
provincial schools. Every school division in the province was invited to submit ISSI
applications.
In addition to improving outcomes, the project application must also be mutually beneficial to both parties, not already funded by other sources, address one of the Inspiring Success Framework goals, and respond to one of the TRC Calls to Action.
The ISSI supports the division’s Strategic Plan in the areas of Inspiring Success, instruction and assessment and mental health and well-being.
Trumier added that she expects to see the partnership grow by expanding on the work completed during the first year of the partnership.
“I think that there will be growth in this next stage of our partnership and … we’re grateful for the willing participation of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation,” she said.
Trumier said Inspiring Success is a Ministry of Education policy that has the intent to support First Nations students in a way that supports their knowledge.
The goal is to create an opportunity to strengthen the relationship with PBCN and connect
students to heritage and culture.
Division ready for first full year of Specialized Support classroom pilot
The board was also updated on the progress of the new Specialized Support classroom in St. John Community School.
Trumier said that she expects to have a full presentation for the board on the project in the future.
The board approved the participation in the province’s pilot project in January 2024.
“We really worked diligently to get to a point where we could develop a program and start the program hire for the program,” Trumier said.
Trumier said that the division worked with families that would be interested in a program.
“It was quick to start … and a very successful year end and now we’re able to do another year of it … and continue the good work that’s happening, so we are excited about continuing the program for the 24-25 school year,” she explained.
The pilot provides classrooms with specialized support to help students practice selfregulation skills while also addressing the impacts of disruptions in the home classroom.
These classrooms will have a capacity for 15 students and are staffed by a minimum of one teacher and two educational assistants. Other staff support may also be used, including psychologists and counsellors.
michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.c
