Indigenous Education For All

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional territories and oral practices of all of the diverse Indigenous  peoples who are the original inhabitants and who make their homes in Treaties 6, 7, 8 and in the Métis Homeland across Alberta. We make this acknowledgement to demonstrate our commitment to work together as a community in laying the foundation for reconciliation through education. We honour those whose histories, languages and cultures continue to influence our learning community across the province.

What if…Indigenous ways of knowing were honoured and brought to life?

Ignite Centre for eLearning is committed to ensuring success for every student who enrols with us. As part of our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, we endeavour to ensure that all students at Ignite Centre for eLearning benefit from deepening their understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This includes developing capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.

Watch this video from Indigenous educator Tammy Johnston to learn more about how Ignite embeds Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing into our programs.

Elder Gilman Cardinal presents Dr. Lauman with an eagle feather for her work with Ignite students and staff.

We were honoured to have Elder Gilman Cardinal offer a school blessing as we began the opening of our new school. Elder Gilman also shared his wisdom and teachings, including an inspirational smudge ceremony for our school, students, families, and staff.

The Gilman Cardinal Scholarship for Indigenous Education

Gilman Cardinal

This scholarship has been established to honour the memory and legacy of Elder Gilman Cardinal, who played a pivotal role in supporting Indigenous Education for all students, families, and staff at Ignite Centre for eLearning. This scholarship will be awarded to any Ignite Centre for eLearning High School student who has a demonstrated history of commitment to the values, knowledge, and culture of Indigenous peoples through education. Click here to learn more about Elder Gilman Cardinal and this scholarship.

Welcome Elder Kohkom Linda Piche-Gordon!

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Elder Gilman Cardinal in June, 2024. Shortly thereafter, as the Creator would have it, Kohkom Linda agreed to join the Ignite team to provide wisdom, teachings, and guidance in relation to our commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action in authentic ways. We are so grateful to be able to walk alongside her on our educational journey.

Kohkom Linda is a proud Métis storyteller, mother, and  grandmother to 9 grandchildren. She is best known for her beautiful storytelling (Coyote’s Eyes,  The Story of the Stars) , and brings a wealth of wisdom and experience in Indigenous ways of knowing to the Ignite learning and teaching community. Kohkom Linda spent much of her career as a social worker, and continues to work with youth and adults at risk. Her favourite past time is spending time with her grand children as well as travelling, reading, and e-biking.

As part of our mandate to improve educational outcomes for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, our staff will:

  • cultivate relationships with Elders and knowledge keepers to guide our processes and communication;
  • demonstrate integrity and intentionality in establishing and maintaining reciprocal relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities to support our learners and our staff;
  • incorporate professional learning opportunities for all staff that will deepen understanding of Indigenous cultures, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning;
  • weave Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing throughout our learning community, which will include opportunities for land-based learning experiences through ongoing connections to Elders and knowledge keepers. Cultural practices such as smudging and other ceremony will be included in school operations as appropriate; and
  • provide necessary supports such as Indigenous liaison staff, counsellors, and others who will be essential members of our learning community.

In addition to the Calls to Action, we are committed to honouring and fulfilling other aspects of Indigenous Education, including:

We welcome partnerships and Educational Service Agreements with any Indigenous community in Alberta where local community supports can be arranged.

Resources for Students, Families, and Staff:

AlbertaLandscapes

“Losing the language means losing the culture.
We need to know who we are because it makes a difference in who our children are.”

Dottie LeBeau