"We brought this position statement forward because we want the government to recognize the importance of including Indigenous spaces in schools," said Board Chair Karen Packard. "We know that providing space helps foster a sense of belonging, engages students in learning, and enhances opportunities for connections between schools and their communities. This is fundamental to academic success and is an investment in deep reconciliation."
The Board began its advocacy for Indigenous spaces after discussions during the design phase for a new elementary school in Lac La Biche. Schools in NLPS and across Alberta have been incorporating areas for cultural activities, connecting with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and community-based supports. However, current provincial design guidelines do not allocate dedicated space or funding for Indigenous spaces in new school builds or modernizations. As a result, school divisions must reduce or reallocate space from other essential areas, such as reducing the size of a library or choosing between a cultural space and a sensory room.
"The community envisioned a space where students could meet with each other or with Elders, plan and take part in activities, and celebrate Indigenous culture," explained Packard. "Unfortunately, that was difficult to accomplish due to the way space is allocated in the design process. We shouldn't have to choose between providing culturally-significant Indigenous spaces and other essential school needs."
In addition to expressing its concerns to the Minister of Education in July 2024, the Board decided to put forward a position statement at the ASBA's Fall General Meeting. Now that it has been endorsed by member boards, the statement becomes part of ASBA's provincial advocacy work.
"We were thrilled to receive the support of other school boards across the province," said Packard. "This is an important part of our work to advance the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and we will continue to advocate for the resources we need to provide meaningful Indigenous spaces in our schools."
Indigenous Spaces in Schools Position Statement
WHEREAS, Alberta's Education Act states that: "students are entitled to welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments that respect diversity and nurture a sense of belonging and a positive sense of self"; and
WHEREAS, research demonstrates that students who feel a sense of belonging and connection at school are more engaged, attend more regularly, and thrive in their learning; and
WHEREAS, strengthening Indigenous education initiatives is a vital step toward the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada; and
WHEREAS, the inclusion of culturally significant pursuits should not come at the expense of other essential school needs, nor be treated as an afterthought;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, ASBA advocates to the Government of Alberta for additional and dedicated funding and space allocation to support the planning and implementation of culturally significant Indigenous spaces within existing schools, new school builds and modernizations, where a board has deemed necessary and appropriate, recognizing that these inclusive learning environments will foster a sense of belonging, improve educational attainment, and enhance success rates for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.
LINKS
ASBA: Member school boards pass positions at ASBA 2025 Fall General Meeting
NLPS: Letter to the Education Minister re: Indigenous Spaces in Schools - July 2024
NLPS: Board Advocacy
