Edmonton Catholic School District Model for FNMI Student Success

1. Edmonton Catholic School District Model for FNMI Student Success Aboriginal Learning Services Edmonton Catholic Schools

2. ECSD District Plan for Continuous Growth 2011-2014 Goal Three: Success for First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Students3.1 Provide and promote cultural diversity from an authentic perspectivea) Involve Council of Elders as active participants in spiritual ceremonies and traditional events.b) Encourage parental and community involvement in furthering Aboriginal education in our District.3.2 Funding for FNMI studentsa) Encourage all school sites to engage in the FNMI model framework for student success.3.3 Promote and support FNMI student successa) Identify the most promising practices to support student learning.b) Provide on-going professional development in cultural lifestyles for all District staff.c) Explore opportunities to enhance the recruitment and successful transition of Aboriginal educators into the District.d) Continue programs for successful transitioning, completion and for language and culture.

3. FNMI Funding Model • Alberta Government provides funding for students who self-identify as FNMI • $1155 – Grade 1-12 Students • $577.50 – Kindergarten Students • Edmonton Catholic Schools • $760 – Grade 1-12 Students • $380 – Kindergarten Students • Aboriginal Learning • $395 – Grade 1-12 Students • $197.50 – Kindergarten students • Currently Edmonton Catholic has 2743 FNMI students as of September 30, 2011

4. School FNMI Action Plans • Accountability tool used to review and report each District school’s plan for implementing Promising Practices in FNMI education • Should reflect District Goal Three: Success for FNMI Students • Plan submitted in the fall • Review submitted in the spring

5. Who is Aboriginal Learning? • Our services are diverse but our mandate is clear.  A healthy body, mind, spirit and emotionsof our First Nation, Métis and Inuit students are a District priority.  We are here to support schools in a holistic approach to educating our FNMI youth.  • Aboriginal Learning is a place where we honour education and celebrate Aboriginal culture. Achieving a high standard of student success is a priority within our district. We are implementing a number of “Most Promising Practices”.

6. Aboriginal Learning Department • Aboriginal Curriculum Consultants • Braided Journeys Program • Council of Elders • Graduation Coaches • Student and Family Crisis Response

7. Cultural Programming & Sense of Belonging • Aboriginal Perspectives and Activities • Culture Camps • Go Girls Mentoring Program • Pow Wow Dance Troupe • Pow Wow Family Night

8. District Supports • Aboriginal Curriculum Consultants • Cree Language • Music • Awareness Days in Schools • Cultural Awareness Workshops for School Staff • District Professional Development Days • FNMI Liaison Professional Development Sessions • Student and Family Crisis Response • Support for our Nehiyaw Pimatisiwin Schools

9. High School Completion • Grade 9 Transition Programming • High School FNMI Graduation Coaches • Grade 12 FNMI Graduation • FNMI Career Fair • Post Secondary Resource Fair • Transition to Post-Secondary Program with MacEwan University • Aboriginal Learning Scholarships

10. Parent Engagement • District Aboriginal Parent Circles • Grandparents Circles – Nehiyaw Pimatisiwin Schools • Aboriginal Family Christmas Feast • Ben Calf Robe Annual Pow Wow • District Aboriginal Learning Monthly Newsletter • Pow Wow Family Night

11. Council of Elders • Cultural teachings and lead Aboriginal ceremonies including: • Prayer (Smudging) Ceremonies • Pipe Ceremonies • Teaching of Sacred Medicines • Rites of Passage Ceremonies • Sweat Lodge Ceremonies • Support of school programs and District staff may include: • Cultural protocols • Guest speakers • Aboriginal History • Cree Language • Traditional Teachings • Aboriginal Resources • Conflict Resolution • Healing Circles • Storytelling