Overview
Alberta Education is working in collaboration with education partners to improve education outcomes and create opportunities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in Alberta.
This includes work to:
- provide supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success
- ensure all Alberta students are knowledgeable, understanding and respectful of the rich diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures
- engage and support First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in fulfilling their vision for a Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system that honours Indigenous history, cultures, languages and perspectives
- build strong relationships with schools and school authorities, First Nations and Métis governments, and other Indigenous communities and organizations – to inform and foster policy, programs and promising practices that improve First Nations, Métis and Inuit student outcomes
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Division
Historically, Alberta has recorded a disparity in education outcomes between First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and non-Indigenous students, despite being in an education system with the same programs, policies and supports. This disparity is commonly referred to as the systemic education gap. Though this gap is narrowing, Alberta Education is committed to closing the systemic education gap entirely.
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Division provides leadership and strategic direction to support the education system in improving outcomes and creating opportunities for Indigenous students in Alberta.
The division works to:
- collaborate with Indigenous Peoples and other educational partners to understand and respond to the unique academic and cultural needs of Indigenous students
- ensure Alberta Education programs and policies are responsive, inclusive, culturally relevant and effective
- ensure all Alberta students and education professionals are knowledgeable and respectful of the rich diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit history, language and culture
- build and maintain authentic relationships with First Nation, Métis and Inuit governments, communities and education partners
- collaborate with education partners to implement programs and initiatives to close the systemic education gap
Engagement with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Alberta is integral to the work of the division.