Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Staffing Update
We are thankful for the wonderful and impactful heart-work Harlee McArthur has provided to EIPS staff, students and families for the 2021-22 school year as our Family and School Liaison Worker. Harlee is embarking on a new adventure and will be deeply missed. We wish her all the best and are grateful for the time she has given EIPS. We’d like to welcome Leaha Atcheynum to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team and look forward to each of our families getting to know her and work with her in the coming school year.
Direct Student Support
MNA Scholarships Applications
Each year, the Métis Nation of Alberta provides scholarships to reward outstanding academic achievement. Scholarships are open to Métis students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarship recipients receive both monetary reward and recognition during the November Métis Week celebration.
The deadline for scholarship applications is Oct. 31, 2022. Submit application packages to Kaylee Townend.
Nelson Canada Scholarship Applications
The 2022 Nelson Scholarship Program is now open! Do you know a Grade 12 student who’s doing exceptional work in the classroom as well as in their community? This year, we’re once again offering $10,000 for each scholarship opportunity: the Civic Leadership Scholarship and the Indigenous Student Scholarship, in partnership with Indspire. Recipients of the awards are young leaders of tomorrow, showcasing a commitment to community stewardship and academic achievement.
To learn more about the scholarship program and how to apply, visit the Nelson Canada website. Applications close Aug. 1, 2022.
MNA Youth Services and Events
The Métis Nation of Alberta Youth has many opportunities for young people to get involved with the community, build friendships and deepen their cultural understandings. Follow their facebook page for all of the opportunities available over the summer, including summer camp!
Message from the MNA: “Have a child going into preschool, kindergarten, Grade 1, or Grade 2?
We have you covered for back-to-school! Early learning and literacy are top priorities for our Children and Family Services Department. Education is the key to creating thriving Métis families and we want to help however we can. We are once again offering FREE school supplies to assist Métis families for the 2021-22 school year, AND we’re delivering them right to your door! The Gear Up For School program supports children and families in all scenarios of learning, both in the classroom and at home. We aim to prepare early learners with the tools they need to begin a successful learning journey while reducing financial stress on Métis families.
Supplies are limited, so register today! To apply, complete the form!
WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
Children enrolled in preschool, kindergarten, Grade 1, or Grade 2 beginning September 2021
Residents of Alberta (Applicants must provide an Alberta mailing address.)
Parent/Guardian or child must be an MNA citizen
Have questions or need more information? Please email mnacfs@metis.org.
Honouring the Spirit Award EIPS Recipients
The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards recognize First Nations, Métis and Inuit students across Alberta who model strength and commitment in the pursuit of their personal education path and embrace their own gifts, strengths and potential. Further, the awards provide the opportunity to celebrate the unique qualities of students who inspire their peers, teachers, education leaders and community members. The Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards is sponsored by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) and supported by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) and Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). We’re excited to share the three EIPS students who each received an Honourable Mention for the 2021-22 school year. Congratulations to Esme Chouinard, Pine Street Elementary; Mackenize Osmond, Salisbury Composite High; and Camden Spiderwick, Win Ferguson Elementary.
Woodbridge Farms Elementary Culture Camp
Woodbridge Farms Elementary continued its relationship with Strathcona Wilderness Centre to host the second annual culture camp for Indigenous students and their families. The weekend camp invited students to learn drum teachings, make dry meat, flesh a moosehide, learn Métis beading techniques, try birch bark painting, work with diamond willow, learn the sacredness of tobacco, taste traditional Inuit foods and much more. Many thanks to knowledge holders Connie Kulhavy, Goota Desmarias and Lloyd Cardinal, as well as Elders Julliette Auger, Gilman Cardinal and Bert Auger for generously sharing their teachings with families. EIPS looks forward to expanding the culture camp experience to include more families at more locations across the Division.
Thank you to all Elders, Knowledge Holders and Families
EIPS would like to thank all of the Elders, knowledge holders and families who shared with our students and staff throughout the year. We’re thankful for your friendship and grateful for your generosity. We look forward to renewing these important relationships in the new school year.
Resources of Interest
Explore these interactive maps of Treaty 6 territory.
The Downie-Wenjack Foundation is hosting virtual events across the country for the month of June. Find out more and register for one or more of the events through the event website.
Book signing with authors Charlene and Wilson Bearhead
Saturday, July 9, 2022
10 a.m.
Western Varieties Wholesale, 7003 Roper Rd., Edmonton
Celebrating their eight series set of Siha Tooskin Knows:
The Best Medicine
The Catcher of Dreams
The Gifts of His People
The Love of the Dance
The Nature of Life
The Offering of Tobacco
The Sacred Eagle Feather
The Strength of His Hair
This series is on the list of recommended resources from Alberta Education for Grade 3 English Language Arts. Bring a friend and enjoy a special series discount as well as tea and bannock.
