Indigenous Advocate Kimberly Night at LSKYSD's recent board meeting. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff) 

By Angela Brown

Indigenous advocacy

Living Sky School Division focuses on Reconciliation efforts

Jul 3, 2022 | 4:46 PM

Living Sky School Division (LSKYSD) is continuing with its focus to promote reconciliation efforts.

Living Sky’s Indigenous Advocate Kimberly Night is working with the division and its Indigenous students as part of that initiative. She discussed her work at the recent board meeting.

“My ultimate goal is student engagement,” she said. “I’m researching what that means, talking to families, working with liaisons… Our First Nations leadership has a big role in what I do.”

A focus group, called “Miyo Wicihitotan,” from the Cree words meaning “working together in a good way,” was created to support Night’s efforts.

“We looked at the [Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s] Calls to Action, the Treaty relationship and the education sector of that agreement,” she said.

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Night’s aim is to help ensure Indigenous students achieve their goals and are successful in school.

“What I’m trying to do is focus on those transitioning students, those students that are falling through the gaps,” she said.

As well, Night discussed some of the challenges Indigenous students face who move back and forth from on-reserve schools to city schools in the provincial system.

“What I’ve identified in my research is using the voice and perspective of the student, how one framework isn’t going to fit all students and families.”

Night said she wants to help students have a smoother transition. She looks at whether the school feels welcoming and if the student is greeted properly, so youth have a positive experience in their new school from the start.

“The liaisons are a big part of it,” she added of the process.

“It’s all about bringing the federal system together and the provincial system together, so we’re not working in silos,” Night added. “We’re working together to support these kids.”

Sherron Burns (LSKYSD Indigenous Learning Consultant), Alexis Christensen (Métis Nation) and Carolyn Kiskotagen (Red Pheasant Cree Nation), who are involved in the Indigenous Advisory Council for Living Sky School Division, also took part in the discussion. Christensen is also the interim band manager with Saulteaux First Nation.

The school division is also looking at re-establishing its Elders Council to help guide the work of the Indigenous Advisory Council in the future.

LSKYSD Director of Education Brenda Vickers said she is pleased with the progress being made in the division’s journey towards Reconciliation.

The school division hosted a flag raising and pipe ceremony this year outside its central offices, leading into National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, to show its support.

Vickers said the school division wants to remain focused on continuing to develop relationships with its Indigenous neighbours.

“We know there is a long way to go, but I’m thrilled about where we are,” she said. “It feels great. With Kim’s [Night] help, we’re starting to get to know all of our First Nations’ neighbours and partners better, and build trust, build relationships and truly work together. It feels right; it feels wonderful frankly.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW