Stories – Life Skills

Chris Pheasant is from Wiikwemkoong First Nation and has dedicated his life to Indigenous Education.  Over the course of his career, Chris has been a Guidance Counsellor, Teacher, Principal, and Co...

The Alternative Secondary School Program (ASSP) addresses the needs of urban Indigenous students in Fort Frances and surrounding areas by creating a culture-based educational environment where the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual areas of a student's life are centered.

The mission of the N’Swakamok Alternative School is to offer a wholistic and culturally inclusive educational program that meets the needs of urban Indigenous students.

Wiingashk Alternative Secondary School is located at N’Amerind Friendship Centre in London. This program offers urban Indigenous students a culture-based education that balances the secondary school curriculum with wholistic, culturally relevant educational approaches.

Sturgeon Lake First Nation community members reflecting on Harvest Days during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Une table ronde à laquelle ont participé cinq étudiants autochtones s’est tenue à l’Université Trent pour discuter de leurs expériences dans leurs études postsecondaires. Les étudiants ont donné le...

The Warrior's Club is a land-based education group that meets bi-monthly to learn experientially about the land. 

An Elder, who is preparing Anishinaabe people to be responsible, knowledgeable about their culture, creation and to show us our own personal role in Creation.

"Choices" is an alternative School and General Cultural Programming within Native Friendship Centre and Native Health centres. The goal of the program was to revitalize culture and incorporate Anis...

TRU offers a variety of programs develop and delivered with Indigenous people. The School of Trades & Technology hosts many degrees and programs including Building Capacity & Community Through Cons...

Founder of kâniyâsihk Culture Camps, Kevin Lewis believes that land-based education is an important way for Cree and non-Indigenous people to (re)connect with culture and identity.

Lonny is Traditional Knowledge Holder working to fill in what were cultural blank spaces with Indigenous dialogue and narrative to create a meaningful cultural support to the clients and staff of t...

Manitoba First Nations School System (MFNSS), begun in 2017, has been empowered to engage in Indigenous led education within the province.  Established by the Manitoba First Nations Education Resou...

Winnipeg School Division’s Aboriginal Graduation Coaches program provides multi-year support and guidance to students on their journey from Grade 9 to graduation.

Hailey Prince details the Nak'azdli Cultural Centre's aims and initiatives of capturing and maintaining Dakelh traditional knowledge through methods of traditional knowledge transfer from Elders. T...

The Nunavut Literacy Council – Ilitaqsiniq offers hands-on, Elder led, skill-based education programs that build essential skills for life or the workforce.

Examples of formal and informal Indigenous Education from a 'student of life' who describes the importance of language and land-based learning.

This program utilizes traditional knowledge and ceremony to advance the intentions of corrections institutions.

John Jerome Paul discusses his work with Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey and his nearly 50 years working in Indigenous education.

This is one in a set of three videos that talk about life along the Deh Cho (Mackenzie River) and learning to fish.

A round table involving five Indigenous students was held at Trent University to discuss their experiences within post-secondary education. The students offered insights into the challenges getting...

Qaggiavuut is a Nunavut based non-profit organization that delivers performing arts training and produces Inuit performing arts aimed at decolonizing and teaching Inuit traditional values.

Kyle Simon, a student at Annapolis Valley First Nation School, discusses the ways in which the school has helped him succeed.

First Nations owned and operated post-secondary education institution.

Inuit educational and cultural institution

Land based healing models, teaching culture and Anishnawbek knowledge, worldview, ways of being, ceremony. This program is offered on demand, Lizz makes herself available because this is her role a...

To teach culture, history and music. To have access to what could be considered a privilege offered at the library, pow-wow grounds, school settings and at the band office, throughout the year. All...

Makimautiksat is an evidence-based youth camp that aims to equip Nunavut youth with critical life skills and knowledge that fosters positive mental health and wellness.

The Iqaluit Music Society creates access to music education through various music camps that include Inuit traditional music as well as contemporary music education.

Piqqusilirivvik is a cultural education centre that delivers various courses about Inuit culture to community members.

Iglulik Elder, Madeline Ivalu, is a Canadian filmmaker, actor, and performing arts educator for traditional Inuit arts. Ivalu discusses her experience and thoughts about teaching Inuit culture.

The program will provide an understanding of Male responsibilities, goal setting, what to do with the life you are given and cultural understanding. Giving teachings about reality and beliefs (Anis...

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association communicates with the communities in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut to mentor them in designing Inuit, cultural youth programs.

Siyamtelot is Okanagan and registered Stó:lō by marriage. Swelimeltexw is Stó:lō from Stsálles are Elders from Okanagan. They share their educational experience along with stories and teachings....

Yukon First Nation History and knowledge

Chris Shawanoo speaks about the role of the NRNC in providing holistic educational opportunities to the Niagara urban Indigenous community.

Reconciliation projects and exchanges

Joey Farnsworth is well known in Grande Prairie as an Elder and Knowledge Keeper. She shares her perspective on how all education starts with our relationships and how we are all role models all of...

Supervisor of Indigenous Education, Sarah Longman, discusses the programs she oversees for Regina Public Schools.

Debra Toney, a former student at the Annapolis Valley First Nation School, talks about how the school is so effective in fostering student success.

Laurie McLeod of Nipissing First Nation shares her understanding of engaging the spirit within all areas of life. She shares her own knowledge of Indigenous education and how to better support peop...

Youth Empowerment Movement

Charles Petahtegoose, a Midewiwin man talks about the importance of revitalizing sacred teachings and song as a method of Indigenous education. Charles also discusses the importance of language use...

Jerica Fraser talks about the program, 'Strengthening Hamilton Aboriginal Education' (SHAE), in Hamilton, Ontario.

Elizabeth Sault seeks to provide holistic educational opportunities to community members with the aim of violence reduction.

Mary Elliot, a Anishinabe elder shares her perspective of understanding the land and knowledge it carries. Through story telling she shares her perspective on what is both important teachings to sh...

Sharon, like most community members, teaches traditional Dene life skills at home.

George Oudzi lives a traditional way of life, teaching others at the same time.  In this interview, he talks about his life on-the-land and how he teaches others how to fish, trap, and hunt, all th...

L'agente culturelle de Matimekush Lac John nous parle des différentes activités qu'elle offre dans le cadre de son emploi. Il est question d'activités portant sur l'Innu aitun, l'intégration des aî...

The MNBC Ministry of Youth and Métis Youth British Columbia (MYBC) offer an annual Revitalizing Our Culture (ROC) youth forum which seeks to enhance their leadership and employment skills.

The education of your own people teaches you differently in all aspects.

Aboriginal Environmental Leadership Circle aims to promote and enhance environmental management in Indigenous communities.

The Aboriginal Leadership Certificate allows Indigenous students to gain practical tools and knowledge to work at management and administrator levels within Indigenous organizations across Canada. ...

Albert Dawson has participated and completed the Aboriginal Ecotourism Training Program (AETP).

Terry Reid is dedicated to learning the cultural traditions and languages from his Heiltsuk and Oweekeno speaking grandmother who is a knowledge keeper and knows much about traditional medicines.

Ashley Buch speaks about the importance of identity, space, and fostering relationships with Niagara College staff to support Indigenous students.

The Indigenous Land Guardians program is designed to train local Dene people to become knowledgeable in their local culture and traditions as well as current conservation and monitoring practices.

The Malahat Life Skills Program is a unique 'hybrid' program that invites participants to explore how the traditional teachings may offer solutions for present-day demands.

Reconnecting high risk youth through carving and traditional knowledge to find balance.

This transformational program allows First Nations mentors/Master Carvers to go into Yukon schools and educate all students about traditional art forms and more.

Kelsey Jaggard speaks with Catherine Rae who is the program coordinator at the Gabbius Goodman Learning Centre in Sandy Lake, Ontario. The Gabbius Goodman Learning Centre provides community members...

The Wiichihew Program is offered by the Mid-Island Métis Nation and serves Indigenous Students in high schools, alternative learning programs, and Vancouver Island University. It supports students ...

Bridging the western educational world with local First Nation culture and traditions .

Solomon Ratt created a Facebook group called Cree Language Videos where he posts videos related to Cree language lessons and traditional stories. 

After attending EmpoweringU sessions, students know how to open up a bank account, budget, apply for student loans, bursaries, scholarships and thrive at university.

Cheryll Welke shares about her community involvement volunteering in schools by talking about her Métis culture and identity.

The Principal of the Dene Tha Community School, Carlito Somera, discusses the school's commitment to holding fall and winter Cultural Camps for students in grades 4-12.

Catherine Davis discusses the challenges of including Indigenous education initiatives in the public education system.  

The SENĆOŦEN Survival School and Language Apprenticeship programs value our history and teach the ways and beliefs of our W̱SÁNEĆ homeland and worldview.

An examination of the historic and current issues relevant to First Nations land use and community planning. 

Bob Lovelace offers a distinction between Indigenous Education and Aboriginal Education, the shift from an ‘Indigenous Rights perspective’ to an ‘Indigenous Responsibility perspective’.

Dechinta means "in the bush" in many of Dene languages in the Northwest Territories. Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning believes in supporting self-determining and sustainable Northern commu...

BushKids is exploring the ethical space between Indigenous education and Western education principles in Yellowknife, NT.

A Nakota language initiative that seeks to revitalize and re-awaken the Nakota language on White Bear First Nation.

Tasha Brooks works as an Indigenous Education Navigator through the EleV program. Based out of Vancouver Island University, Tasha is able to help a number of students in numerous ways through EleV....

Philip Brass advocates that land-based activities are memorable experiences that can plant a seed to propagate relationships with the landscape and the ecosystem.

Meeka is a well-known teacher of education, healing, and Inuit culture. She started teaching children in 1971, and moved onto adult education at Nunavut Arctic College for 18 years. Meeka believes that elder knowledge from experience is necessary have a foundation for living an Inuit life as our ancestor did. She hopes that healing and education from Inuit go a long way.

Community building

Kelsey Jaggard interviews Robert Greene, from Lac Seul First Nation, about his work as a councillor with Jordan's Principle. Jordan's Principle aims to ensure Indigenous youth, ages 0-17 are given ...

Single Track to Success is a Carcross/Tagish First Nations initiative to promote wellness and reconnect youth with the land.

Terry and Vic Amos are Nuu-chah-nulth fishermen from Hesquiat First Nation. Vic is Terry's uncle and they have fished together for many years. They both share parts of their story and the importanc...

Rikki Wylie is part of the management team at Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Center. Located in Nanaimo, BC, Tillicum Lelum has a number of programs that are used to help the community. Rikki...

Le projet d'accompagnement scolaire et social (PASS) est mis en oeuvre par le Comité de femmes de Mashteuiatsh. Il s'agit d'un programme de Passeport pour ma réussite (Pathways for Education Canada...

The traditional parenting program provides practical skills to enhance nurturing in a supportive environment.

Developing a more accessible, culturally safe and personal cancer care plan for First Nations patients.

Ka Ni Kanichick strives to embed social justice in educational processes.

Audra Maloney is Natural Wellness Coach and Puoin who advocates for the importance of an Individuals wholistic wellness education.

The programs at the Niagara Regional Native Centre work together and Philip works to raise cultural awareness and foster wellbeing on a community and individual level.

Perry McLeod-Shabogesic of Nipissing First Nations talks about his journey with both learning and teaching traditional knowledge. Through a short interview, he explains the importance of understand...

The NYA:WEH program is “a ‘stay in school’ initiative, to assist and support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students in elementary and secondary education. "NYA:WEH is responsible for empowering In...

Healthy Babies Healthy Generations is a program supporting families and individuals who may have a baby, or are pregnant. They provide support through prenatal care, monthly luncheons, and well-bab...

The Nya:weh program is “a ‘stay in school’ initiative, to assist and support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students in elementary and secondary education. NYA:WEH is responsible for empowering Ind...

The overall goal of Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg as stated on their website is, “to provide high quality, wholistic programs and supports that foster Indigenous identity formation and a sense of belonging...

Le programme Protection et exploitation des territoires fauniques, volet Premières Nations est offert depuis 2017 auprès du Centre régional d'éducation aux adultes des Premières Nations (CREA) de U...

KDS Vision Statement: “BUILDING OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE TODAY BY TEACHING AND LEARNING THE DENE WAY.” "KDS is committed to providing quality education for our students by concentrating on four compon...

Kwanlin Dun offers a 12 week long program for unemployed adult community members, to improve work-place skills.

An on-the-land camp for K-6 for East Three elementary school. A focus on teaching traditional bush skills while on the land. Some activities include pulling fish nets, cutting the fish and preparin...

Valerie Desjarlais believes that life-long learning is empowering because we live our lives sharing, caring, and respecting all life.  

Dechinta’s model of program delivery is innovative and responsive to the needs of diverse learners. We offer a setting where families can learn together through our Chekoa Nı̨ htł’èkǫ ̨̀ Deè (KidsU...

Neecheewam Inc. strives to cultivate life skills through the development of relationships and culturally appropriate teachings.

Tyler Armstrong interviews Yolanda Twance, coordinator of Aboriginal Cultural & Support Services (ACSS) at Lakehead University. ACSS offers many different services to Aboriginal students on the Thu...

Urban Hide Tanning in Somba K'e

The program, offered by University of Winnipeg, creates a welcoming environment for Indigenous and new-comer students from the neighbourhood who have never been on campus. It offers topics such as ...

Relatable experiences used to teach science based Nursing. As well as, incorporating life long learning through language and land-based activities.

Bimose Tribal Council opened this Anishnaabe-based school for First Nations students in the Kenora area.

Lutsel K'e Dene school is working collaboratively to support holistic Dene education.

''Several on-the-land projects across the Northwest Territories are getting a major financial boost.

On the Lan...

Le Chemin des Mille Rêves, Puamun Meskenu, est une organisation créée par Dr Stanley Vollant qui oeuvre, depuis 2016, à développer les quatre dimensions du mieux-être des jeunes autochtones, soit l...

The KARA Family Resource Centre (Parent Link Centre) offers a Traditional Parenting for Indigenous Families. This program provides the opportunity to connect with Indigenous culture, develop litera...

Le Centre des Premières Nations Nikanite (CPNN) de l’Université du Québec à Chicoutimi oeuvre depuis 1991 à assurer la formation universitaire de communautés des Premières Nations. Il s’agit d’une ...

An on-reserve secondary program that assists Indigenous students in acquiring their secondary diploma while at home.

La bibliothèque Maskwa ("écorce de bouleau" en abénaki) est implantée dans la communauté abénakise de Wôlinak (en Mauricie). Elle a rouvert ses portes en 2017, sous la gestion du Grand Conseil de l...

Program to dispel myths about Indigenous peoples and to educate non-Indigenous peoples about Indigenous peoples. To bring access to culture back to urban areas (cities) through ceremony and other i...

Katelyn Barrett discusses the Wekatesk Head Start program from a parent’s perspective.

Tim McNeill, Deputy Minister of Education and Economic Development speaks about the Inuit Education initiatives and programs. Schools in Nunatsiavut have Inuktitut and Life Skills in the k-12 schoo...

The Executive MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership in the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University has been in existence for five years. The program is intended for mature leaders ...

Le Conseil atikamekw de Manawan, par le projet Matcekiw a comme mission le renforcement de trois domaines prioritaires aux yeux de la communauté soit 1) la prévention et la sensibilisation, 2) la p...

Le Service de développement des compétences a vu le jour en 2008 et vise à réduire les obstacles des Autochtones pour accéder à la vie socioéconomique. Pour ce faire, les participants des divers gr...

Integrating traditional knowledge into K-12.

Man Up Against Violence seeks to inspire men to become advocates of violence prevention.

Jr./ Sr. Highschool traditional singing and drumming group -Teaching traditional song and dance -Teaching language through song -Teaching relationship through the drum

Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon (Thunder Bay Headstart Program) is an early learning daycare centre built around Anishinaabe culture and holistic learning.

The Matawa Learning Centre uses a holistic approach to education in order to help young Indigenous learners from the Matawa Communities in Northern Ontario.

Fostering indigenous leadership, values and skills through cultural initiatives. Dene Nahjo is a Dene Collective based in Denendeh. Fostering indigenous leadership, values, and skills through cultu...

A discussion of Early Childhood Education services offered at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre that has a focus on intergenerational teachings

χpey̓ Elementary School was developed by the Vancouver School Board in 2012 in response to calls from the community for an education that was culturally relevant for Indigenous youth and encompassi...

Unique in Quebec, Nunavik Sivunitsavut offers one-year courses on Inuit and circumpolar history, politics, governance, culture, and language. Students explore global modern issues from an Inuit per...

Early Intervention is key! The Botsvin Life Skills training as well as the Yellow Bus Program are for Indigenous students attending Ben Calf Robe Society School. These two programs as well as many ...

The FNMI Program Coordinator for the Grande Prairie Public School District shares about the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in the school system.

Sharon O’Brien, the Executive Director of the Mi’kmaq Family Resource Centre in Charlottetown, describes the impact of the centre and its programs for off-reserve families in Charlottetown....

Erica Beaudin has been the Executive Director of the Regina Treaty Status Indian Services since 2007 and she discusses the importance of the organization’s community education programs.

The Northern Manitoba Mining Academy provides access to its world-class facilities for field-based undergraduate courses, as well as graduate students and researchers doing field work. Full sample ...

The Banuts'ukuih (meaning, canoe coming to shore in Lheidli) project is an example of the experiential learning opportunities led by Indigenous instructors in partnership with the University of Nor...

Dominic Beaudry discusses the importance of strategic learning, land based learning as well as the importance of language when striving for excellence in Indigenous education.

The Discovery Program: Linking Youth back to their Identity: The role of an Elder in a school as a mentor and guide for youth. To re-discover identity, language and linking youth back to their root...

Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet sits down to talk about the one of a kind Chemical Addiction Worker Certificate Program offered at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.

Dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience and in the empowerment of artistic people who are creative in different disciplines; art, drawing, carving, cooking, music, and more. Art is multi...

Amy Hudson of the NunatuKavut Community Council describes their Southern Inuit Education Program. The program introduces Southern Inuit Traditional Knowledge into the public school curriculum in co...

The White Cloud Head Start Program provides Indigenous pre-school children with a positive sense of themselves, their culture and offers them an opportunity to develop and learn different skills to...

By understanding that Indigenous Education is rooted in the cultural traditions of Indigenous people GPRC provides numerous supports to help Indigenous students succeed. Fostering the only on-campu...

Jody Nadjiown is an Indigenous Studies high school teacher who is bringing awareness to and creating opportunities for Indigenous Education in Ontario.

The Native Access Program is a nine-month transition program for Indigenous students.

The Digital Lodge project is a multi-year project in Thompson, Manitoba that works with the same group of students from grade 7 until grade 12. It is part of the larger Educating for Action project...

Janet Sinclair describes the steps taken to bridge new students into university life while keeping a strong cultural component.

Carney Hill Neighbourhood Centre is an Indigenous educational resource that focuses on cultural and family based early childhood education (15 months - grade 6) in the city of Prince George, BC. Ca...

Demian Lawrenchuk has led a Christmas break school program that focuses on land-based cultural activities in Gillam, MB.

Staff at United Native Friendship Centre discuss their Alternative Secondary School program. 

Le Centre régional d’éducation des adultes (CRÉA), créé en 2012, a pour mission de desservir l’ensemble des communautés autochtones francophones au Québec. Il vise à amener les individus à développ...

Le mot 'Kiuna' [ou kiona] signifie 'à nous', ou 'la nôtre' en langue abénaquise (Hannis, 2014 dans Dufour 2015). Depuis son ouverture en 2011 dans la communauté abénaquise d'Odanak, l’Institution K...

Leading Thunderbird Lodge partners with the Twisted Wire Ranch’s Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Program in order to holistically treat youth struggling with addictions.

How an education program from New Zealand was adapted for use in two north end Winnipeg Schools to increase graduation rates and develop Métis identity.

Stefan Gislason describes the Neah Kee Papa mentor program for Métis and Indigenous fathers.

Dawn Wood describes Indigenous Inclusion Directorate - Community School Program funding and their objectives in the province of Manitoba.

Mary Oskineegish Education Director with the Nibinamik Immersion program describes the program for JK to Grade 2.

Teacher and organizer of the Native Language Summer Program, Daisy Slipperjack, discusses the importance of retaining the Ojibwe language, which is done on the land.