Northland School Division (NSD) received a special award from the Public School Boards Association of Alberta (PSBAA) for its work in advancing one or more of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).
The award was presented at the PSBAA Spring General Assembly in Calgary on June 4, 2025. Northland was recognized for putting reconciliation into action in schools, as described in the division's 2024-2027 Education Plan https://www.nsd61.ca/download/453870.
NSD's work supports TRC Calls to Action 10, 14, 62, 63 and 64. This includes:
- Teaching students on the land and helping them learn Indigenous languages.
- Working with Elders and adding Indigenous language signs in schools.
- Creating Elder & Knowledge Keepers and Youth Councils to help guide school decisions.
- Offering training to help staff better understand Indigenous cultures and histories.
- Hosting Cree language and culture events with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
- Working with families and community members to improve education.
Over the past two years, Northland has also hosted a series of community engagement sessions. Feedback from these sessions helped shape the division's priorities, outcomes and strategies. This helped make sure the voices of families, Elders and students guided the division's work so that Northland students thrive.
"This award reflects the voices and contributions of the communities Northland serves," said Tanya Fayant, Board Chair. "We are deeply honoured to be recognized for this work. It shows what can happen when families, Elders and staff work together to support students. The division's efforts are guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the vision families have for their children."
"Families told us what needed to change. We listened," said Cal Johnson, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "Their feedback shaped the Education Plan and helped guide the work happening in schools every day. We are seeing real improvement in student results, including a significant increase in high school completion, and greater satisfaction with the quality of education in the communities Northland serves."
See how Northland School Division is supporting students and communities in Year 2 of the Education
Plan: www.nsd61.ca/download/512929.
