About Us
About Us
Kapawe’no First Nation – We proudly lead the Nehiyawak (Cree) Nation and Canada in providing unparalleled Virtual School experiences for Indigenous students in real-time. Our approach, a fusion of tangible tradition and the Cloud’s ethereal possibilities, offers qualitative experiences unmatched in Turtle Island (Canada). At the forefront of curriculum and instructional design, we take immense pride in our academically rigorous program, deeply infused with Indigenous Ways of Knowing, encompassing Language, Traditions, Culture, Practices, Values, and Morals.
“In the heart of tradition, we find innovation; in the cloud’s boundless potential, we discover a new path to knowledge.”
In addition to our virtual classroom streaming options, we serve as a lighthouse for in-person learning. Our contemporary school, spanning Kindergarten to Grade 12 and College programming, is nestled in the Hamlet of Grouard, Alberta, adjacent to the Sovereign Nation of Kapawe’no First Nation.
“Our physical and virtual doors stand open, ready to guide the journey of every student seeking knowledge.”
Location
Our school finds its home 3.5 hours north of Edmonton and 2.5 hours east of Grande Prairie, accessible via a paved highway on the northwest shore of Slave Lake, known as Buffalo Bay. The towns of High Prairie and Slave Lake lie in close proximity.
Governance in our Nation
With unwavering support from Hereditary Chief Sydney Lee Halcrow and lifetime Councillors Debbie Chalfioux and Pamela Halcrow, we operate in alignment with our Nation’s Governance Codes and the Sovereign and Inherent Rights of Nehiyawak people.
“We embrace our ancestral wisdom, we find the strength to uphold the Sovereign and Inherent Rights of our Nehiyawak Nation.”
Our Nehiyawak way of life
A distinctive feature of our institution is the integration of LAWF (Land, Air, Water and Fire) teachings into our instructional programs and education processes. Nehiyawak teachings hold equal importance alongside Alberta Education coursework, guiding our students on a path of identity discovery and a balanced approach to indigenous and non-indigenous ways of knowing.
Our Nehiyawewin immersion program lays the foundation for the revitalization of our language within our school, Nation, and territory. Our cultural and land-based programs immerse students in the Nehiyawak way of life and ways of knowing. Furthermore, we offer a top-notch Quality Daily Physical Education Program, running in conjunction with our Sports Academy and Indigenous Fine Arts Academy, tailored for students from Grade 4 to 12. We firmly believe in achieving academic excellence in harmony with athletic pursuits as a vital aspect of lifelong learning.
“In the rhythm of our cultural heartbeat, we find excellence both in mind and body.”
Our Life Long Learning
Our school adheres to Alberta Education’s guidelines for instructional hours, ensuring a minimum of 950 hours for elementary and junior high student instruction and 1000 hours of instruction for high school. Our flexible school timetable allows for a four-day school week during the winter months (November to April), providing our students with extended weekends to explore, participate in activities, engage in cultural practices, and build upon traditions.
“Learning knows no bounds; it spans generations, seasons, and beyond.”
As a federally funded, Alberta Accredited, First Nation-owned and operated school, we prioritize the well-being of our students, parents, and employees, recognizing them as our most valuable assets within the Kapawe’no First Nation School Authority.
Our multi-talented staff, including Pow Wow Dancers, Olympians, Qualified coaches, Varsity Team Players, musicians, actors, and more, actively participate in the Alberta Junior and Senior high school Athletic Association, Alberta Native Sports programs, Band Concerts, Pow Wows, Drama Productions, and beyond. We have gained recognition as a school where talent thrives, and knowledge continually expands. Our staff are deeply engaged in coaching, mentoring, training, and supporting the activities of our Sports Academy and Fine Arts/Music Academy teams.
“In the mosaic of talents, we cultivate a vibrant tapestry of achievement and creativity.”
Starting from November 2023, we are among the select few schools in Alberta to implement a four-day work week, continuing until after Spring Break in April 2024. Our school delivery model embodies the Seven Grandfather and Grandmother Teachings of Love, Respect, Humility, Wisdom, Obedience, Truth, and Honesty.
Each day we embark on a new day of learning, guided by the belief that learning commences nine months before birth and endures until nine months after one “crosses” the river to the other side.
“Our journey is guided by timeless teachings, and our destination is knowledge.”
Online about us:
Check out our website at www.kfnlearning.com and for more information, and also you can check out our Facebook site for Kapawe’no First Nation School: https://www.facebook.com/
or check out these recent video links:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1epyhbpo9zfdDO2ttFbEmnqXdqJduZJZV/view
