Northwest School Division acknowledges that we are on Treaty Six Territory, the traditional and ancestral territory of the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota and the homeland of the Métis. As we are all Treaty People, we affirm our commitment to sharing the land and recognizing the rights of all individuals. NWSD is dedicated to prioritizing Indigenous education. We are committed to responding in a way that honours and respects the importance of this effort by building strong, respectful relationships with the Indigenous communities in our division, province, and country. NWSD will continue to work on answering the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
NWSD is committed to gaining a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing. Our staff are creating opportunities for the revitalization of Indigenous languages. We are dedicated to building capacity to deliver culturally relevant and responsive instruction, while fostering a classroom environment that creates a sense of belonging and identity that allows each student to succeed. We recognize the importance of building respectful relationships with First Nations and Metis organizations. We are committed to teaching the treaty outcomes and include culturally inclusive assessment practices. We acknowledge that, as a school division, we have a significant responsibility and opportunity to demonstrate respect for our students and families by implementing the Calls to Action.
NWSD is committed to actualizing the vision and goals of Inspiring Success:
- First Nations and Métis languages and cultures are valued and supported.
- Equitable opportunities and outcomes for First Nations and Métis learners.
- Shared management of the provincial education system by ensuring respectful relationships and equitable partnerships with First Nations and Métis peoples at the provincial and local level.
- Culturally appropriate and authentic assessment measures that foster improved educational opportunities and outcomes.
- All learners demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the worldviews and historical impact of First Nations and the Métis Nation.
Northwest School Division is working diligently to enhance Indigenous education, ensuring it is an integral and meaningful part of our curriculum and community initiatives.
Indigenous Education Framework Visual
Our Land Acknowledgement
Invitational Shared Services Initiative (ISSI)
The Invitational Shared Services Initiative (ISSI) brings together the provincial education system and First Nations education organizations to support students who live on-reserve.
First Nations and Métis education organizations and school divisions develop partnerships to provide supports and services to children living on-reserve. The partnerships align with the Education Sector Strategic Plan by focusing on support for students in reading, literacy, graduation, and early learning.
The Northwest School Division and Flying Dust First Nation have a partnership that focuses on fostering educational opportunities and cultural exchange, enhancing the learning experience for students through collaborative programs and mutual support.
Michif Language Kindergarten
Métis Nation Saskatchewan and NWSD continue the partnership to provide students with the opportunity to learn and understand Métis culture and language with the Northern Michif program. NWSD hosts the Michif Kindergarten at Lakeview Elementary School.
Learn more about Michif Kindergarten.
Following Their Voices (FTV)
Following Their Voices (FTV) is an initiative designed to raise the educational achievement and participation of Saskatchewan's First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. It focuses on enhancing relationships between students and teachers, creating structures and supports for teachers and school administrators to co-construct teaching and learning interactions with students and creating safe, well-managed learning environments. FTV is based on research that was conducted with First Nations and Métis engaged and non-engaged students, parents/caregivers, teachers and school administrators about what is needed in order to be successful as a First Nations or Métis student in school.
Northwest School Division is proud to have all schools in Meadow Lake participate in Following Their Voices. Jubilee Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, Gateway Middle School, Jonas Samson Middle School, Carpenter High School, Transition Place Education Centre and Turtleford Community School are all utilizing the FTV initiative to improve outcomes for their First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. For the 2024-2025 school year, Ernie Studer and Glaslyn Central School will be engaged in pre-FTV activities.
Learn more about Following Their Voices.
On June 2, 2022, Northwest School Division held a Treaty 6 & Métis Flag Raising Ceremony in front of the school division office in Meadow Lake. Raising the flags signifies the valued relationship between Northwest School Division and our Indigenous partners and neighbours, and honours the land the school division is located on.
As part of the ceremony, Elders smudged and blessed Treaty 6 and Métis flags for each of the schools in Northwest School Division. Teacher representatives from each school were present to receive the flags and will take them back to their schools to be proudly displayed.
A special thank you to Sean Bernard, Patricia Gervais, Terry Craig, and Elder Sid Fiddler for their thoughtful remarks.
Northwest School Division would also like to thank the following people for their participation and support of the Flag Raising Ceremony:
Sid Fiddler, Elder, Waterhen Lake First Nation
Rose Richardson, Elder, Green Lake
Alex Mistickokat, Elder, Waterhen Lake First Nation
Merlin Seymour, Mayor, Meadow Lake
Chief Jeremy Norman, Flying Dust First Nation
Loretta King, Western Region 1 Representative, Métis Nation - Saskatchewan
Duane Hauk, Director of Education, NWSD
Terry Craig, Superintendent of Schools, NWSD
Constable Mitch McMurphy, RCMP
Flag Raisers: Constable Charles Gladue, Nathaniel Desjarlais, Sean Bernard, Trey Merasty
Singers: Waterhen Jrs
Pow Wow Dancers: David Kytwayhat, Echoing Thunder Kytwayhat, Vincent Kytwayhat
O'Canada: Jubilee Elementary Grade Two
Land Acknowledgement: NWSD Students
Performance: Gateway Jiggers
Ceremony Organizing Committee: Danene Kopperud, Patricia Gervais, Annie Whittle and Sid Fiddler
Northwest School Division would like to thank Jordan Ness for the production of this video.
Jordan's Principle - Protocol - Jp Application Protocol NWSD
What is Jordan's Principle?
The Jordan's Principle Handbook includes information on the program, eligibility, and application information.
Sk Region Jordan's Principle Application - individual
Sk Region Jordan's Group Principle Application 2020 - group
Videos: