Okicīyapi Partnership

1. Okicīyapi Partnership Working Together “Those Working Together For A Cause”

2. Partnership Logo The Dakota Medicine Wheel represents the sacred hoop and the four directions. Within the wheel are the four Dakota virtues. West – woksape-wisdom North – waditaka – bravery East – wowacintanka – fortitude South – waonsidea – generosity Okiciyapi – Dakota Translation – Donnie Speidel with guidance and assistance from Whitecap Dakota Elders Literal Translation – Working together for the better good (common purpose)

3. A Partnership Between: Saskatoon Tribal Council First Nations Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. Saskatoon Public Schools

4. “Together we create harmony” Mission Statement

5. Core Purpose of The Partnership Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Saskatoon Tribal Council and Saskatoon Public Schools in June 2003, the members acknowledged that the main purpose of the Partnership was to institute a strategic alliance to promote, strengthen and facilitate First Nations and Métis education in all of their schools and communities. The Memorandum of Understanding was renewed in June 2006 to include Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated as a new partner.

6. Core Values During the course of the 2003-2004 school year the Partnership mapped a course of action for the next three years. Considerable time was spent identifying and validating numerous values that the partners hold in common. At the Education Council meeting in March 2004 the following guiding principles or core values were approved: Treaty We value learning consistent with the spirit and intent of the treaties. We value Indigenous Knowledge as integral to learning. Learning We value holistic teaching and learning environments that are spiritually, emotionally, academically and physically safe, secure and positive. Life-long learning We value life-long learning opportunities. Unity We value unity which comes from the spirit of equality and creates cooperation and loyalty to one another.

7. Core Values Communication We value communication which is open, honest, timely and effective. Respect We value a culture of mutual respect which is supportive, positive and affirming. Diversity We value cultural diversity, the rich array of participants in our Partnership, and the unique contributions each person can make. Collaboration We value cooperative and collaborative relationships based on trust, respect, pride, and responsibility as the means of maximizing learning experiences in our communities and schools. In May of 2004 the Education Council gave final approval to its vision and mission statements within its strategic plan. The vision statement of the Partnership states:A community of mutual respect, trust, acceptance, excellence and honesty.

8. History of the Partnership Formation • February 2002 Saskatoon Public Schools and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation signed a Memorandum of Agreement that set a precedent for future partnerships established by Saskatoon Public Schools. • June of 2002 The Aboriginal Education Forum, which was hosted by Saskatoon Public Schools, marked the beginning of a new relationship with the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Participants were invited to share their experiences and make recommendations to improve current school practices. • The key recommendations included the need to create: an Aboriginal committee that allows for ongoing and consistent communication, meaningful partnerships with First Nations’ organizations, curriculum that addresses First Nations’ style of learning, more emphasis on career planning and transition to work or post secondary institutions and lastly, a tracking system for First Nations students who are mobile.

9. Partnership Initiatives • June 2003 Signed Memorandum of Understanding between S.P.S and S.T.C • September 2003 Secured funding from Sask Learning. • November 2003 Hired Project Leader: Aboriginal Content & Perspectives. • Signed M.O.U. with S.T.C, S.P.S and First Nations and Métis Relations. • April 2004 Hired Aboriginal Employment Development Officer • October 2004 Launched K-3 Working in Harmony – A New Way Of Learning And Leading resources – Teacher Resource Binder. • Completed employment audit for Human Resources. • First seasonal sweat offered to S.P.S administration • December 2004 ACTnow Anti-racism training sessions provided to high school students. • January 2005 Hired Cultural Resource Liaison . • February 2005 Public forum held on Cree Language retention. • April 2005 Student tracking workshop held jointly between S.T.C and S.P.S schools. • June 2005 First Elders Forum September 2005 Nêhiyâwiwin Cree Language and Culture Program initiated

10. Partnership Initiatives October 2005 Launched the Grade 4-8 Working in Harmony – A New Way Of Learning And Leading Teacher Resource Binder Oct/05 –Jan/06 4 Seasonal Sweat Lodge ceremonies June 2006 Renewed MOU signed between the three partners Jan/06-July/06 Launched the Grade 9-12 Working in Harmony – A New Way Of Learning And Leading Teacher Resource Binder March 2007 First Annual Okiciyapi Feast and Round Dance April 2007 Launched the pilot of the Traditional Knowledge Keepers’ Program April 2007 Hired a Student Success Coach June 2007 Elders’ Forum and Traditional Knowledge Keeper’s Camp October 2007 Elders’ Forum and Traditional Knowledge Keeper’s Camp October 2007 Hired a Métis Education Worker November 2007 Co-hosted a Feast and Round Dance with the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre April 2008 Building and Sustaining Effective First Nations and Metis Partnerships Workshop in Cooperation with LEADS For further information for Partnership initiatives please contact one of the co-chairs

11. Partnership Recognition One of the highlights for 2006 – 2007 was receiving the “Sharing the Flame” national award from the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL) for promising practices in Aboriginal education. Representatives of the Partnership traveled to Ottawa in June to accept the award and to participate in panel discussions and presentations. On November 26, 2007 Saskatoon Public Schools received the Premier’s Board of Education Award for Innovation and Excellence in Education. The award was presented by the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, in conjunction with the sponsor The Document Company – Xerox. Xerox provided a $3,000 award, which is to be reinvested in the program. This award recognizes educational innovations and improvements focused on student achievement that have been advanced or directed by boards of education.

12. STC, CUMFI & SPS • Saskatoon Tribal Council • Represents 7 First Nations: • Kinistin First Nation • Mistawasis First Nation • Muskeg Lake First Nation • Muskoday First Nation • One Arrow First Nation • Whitecap Dakota First Nation • Yellow Quill First Nation Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI): In this Partnership the Métis Community of Saskatoon is represented by CUMFI, which is mandated to ensure equal economic, social and educational opportunities for Métis people. • Saskatoon Public Schools • 44 elementary schools • 10 secondary schools • Central Office Staff

13. Education Council • Working Group • First Nations • STC • SPS • Community • Métis • Elder • Ministry of Education • First Nations education representatives 3 • STC 2 • Saskatoon Public Schools 7 • Métis Community 2 • Urban Parents • Métis Elder • Elders • Ministry of Education 2 • Standing invitations to Tribal Chief, SPS Director of Education, CUMFI President Model: The Way of Council • The Partnership is operated by the Partnership Education Council • The Working Group will be assigned tasks by the Partnership Education Council Partnership Governance

14. Goals and Action Plan • First Nations & Métis Employment: To create a Representative Workforce • First Nations & Métis Curriculum and Cultural Programming: To develop and implement sustainable Aboriginal resources and cultural programming. • Language Development: Cree Language and Culture Program (K-Grade 3). • Racism: To develop and implement comprehensive policies ensuring the eradication of racism in all our schools, at all levels. • Cultural Resource: To create and support culturally responsive schools. • Governance: To develop and maintain a respectful and equitable co-governance structure and process for the operation of the Partnership.

15. Contact Information • Saskatoon Tribal Council Val Harper, Director of Education (306) 956-6100 or vharper@sktc.sk.ca • Central Urban Métis Federation, Inc. Shirley Isbister, President (306) 242-2683 • Saskatoon Public Schools Cort Dogniez, Coordinator – First Nations, Inuit & Métis Education Unit (306) 683-8326 or dogniezc@spsd.sk.ca