Teaching Philosophy

Is an Indigenous Education Focus the Right Choice for My Child?

A successful student demonstrates:

• pride by focusing on academic, cultural and individual growth

• a desire to learn through an Indigenous lens

• active participation in regular ceremonial activities

• engagement in language learning experiences, dancing, drumming, singing and cultural arts activities

Characteristics of an Indigenous Education Focus

• Supports and encourages child and family development in a balanced manner

• Nourishes spiritual (spirit), emotional (heart), physical (body) and mental (mind) domains of self and community

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit focus on language, early literacy, academics, social development and elementary school preparation with a strong cultural foundation based on Indigenous worldviews.

Niitsitapi Learning Centre Preschool & Kindergarten

Programming at the Niitsitapi Learning Centre provides early intervention through a holistic, strength-based, early learning environment. Students will build a strong academic foundation in a learning environment that reflects and nurtures their Indigenous identity.

By providing students the best possible start to their educational journey and supporting school-to-school transitions when students move from the Niitsitapi Learning Centre, our goal is to improve Indigenous students’ long-term success in school and prepare them to live in both worlds.

Preschool

• Offered to Indigenous children 3 - 4 years old

Kindergarten

• Full-day kindergarten offered to Indigenous children entering kindergarten
  

Contact & Location

Niitsitapi Learning Centre
3743 Dover Ridge Dr SE
t | 403-817-3404
e | niitsitapilearningcentre@cbe.ab.ca
w | https://cbe.ab.ca/Niitsitapi

Piitoayis Family School

Piitoayis Family School is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 Program of Choice that teaches the Alberta Education Programs of Study through a diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences. Our name, Piitoayis (Eagle Lodge) recognizes the spiritual significance of the “eagle” to Indigenous people as a symbol of love, and “lodge” recognizes the school as a gathering place. Our school is open to all learners in Grades K-6 who want to learn through Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing and knowing.

At Piitoayis Family School we strive to honour the traditional teachings and oral practices of the Blackfoot Nations and all other Indigenous peoples who make their home in Southern Alberta. Our focus emphasizes four core Blackfoot ​values and belief systems, including spirituality (ceremony), kindness to others, being aware of your environment, being​ observant, and being able to take on tasks independently. We will honour the rich and diverse Indigenous protocols, practices, and processes of all Indigenous peoples represented by our staff and students.​

Kindergarten

• Full-day kindergarten offered to Indigenous children entering kindergarten

Contact & Location

Piitoayis Family School
1921 9 Ave SE​
t | 403-777-7860
e | piitoayis@cbe.ab.ca
w | https://cbe.ab.ca/piitoayis

Registrat​ion

How to Register for Indigenous Education-Focused Programs

Alternative and Language Programs have their own registration process. Visit the Alternative Program Registration page for information on how to register. ​

Find a School

Every child in Calgary has a designated school based on their home address and the program they choose.

Find your designated school with our find a school tool along with the school's contact information and website address. Be sure to use the drop-down arrow for 'Program Options' to select 'Indigenous Focus.'

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